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.