Reflections

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”  But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.  The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.   “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.   “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Luke 1: 26-33

Mary found favor with God and was chosen to bear the Son of God Jesus.  Mary was a virgin and pledged to marry Joseph who was a descendant of David.  Mary asked how she would conceive a baby since she was not yet married and was still a virgin.  Gabriel told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and she would conceive the baby and for this reason the baby would be called the Son of God.

Mary and Joseph were chosen to be the earthly parents of Jesus.  They would be responsible for raising Jesus as a child.  Mary and Joseph accepted their responsibilities as parents and committed themselves to raising the Son of God.  What an honor and privilege to be chosen by God.  How blessed we are that both Mary and Joseph obeyed the call on their lives and had faith in God.

By being obedient Mary and Joseph allowed God to bring salvation to the world.  We see God beginning to undo the damage of disobedience that came through Adam and Eve.  God began the process of restoration of man’s relationship with Him through the conception and birth of Jesus Christ.  It was also prophesied that Jesus would be King and His Kingdom would never end.