The Lord's Servant
No matter how many times I read this passage, I am filled with wonder at the courage of this young lady. Mary, although afraid, knew that she was part of something special. I love the way she replied when she realized what her role would be with the birth of the Messiah-“I am the Lord's servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.”
Mary stands as a pillar of faith, obedience, and courage. I imagine her relationship with God being so strong and her love so infinite that she didn't even think for a second and said yes to God!
Joseph also had to learn to trust and obey God after the angel spoke to him. Joseph, with a firm faith in God, accepted his role in the birth of the Savior. What a sacrifice, Joseph and Mary made. I hope can answer with the same words when God asks for obedience from me.
The Birth of Jesus Is Announced
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. 27 He had a message for a young woman promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David. Her name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her and said, “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!”
29 Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, and she wondered what his words meant. 30 The angel said to her, “Don't be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. 31 You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, 33 and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary said to the angel, “I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God's power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy child will be called the Son of God.36 Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have children, but she herself is now six months pregnant, even though she is very old. 37 For there is nothing that God cannot do.”
38 “I am the Lord's servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.