Almost from the creation of the world, people knew that the Lord would someday be born on earth. Yet, they did not know how it would take place, when it would take place, nor where. For this reason, when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she had been chosen, she was surprised and fill­ed with wonder.

 

Imagine what it must have been like to suddenly see an angel and be told such great news. Have you ever been told that something you secretly had longed and hoped for was really about to happen? If you have, you can appreciate how Mary must have felt, even though what was to happen to her was the most import­ant event to ever happen on any earth.

 

At first Mary was so surprised and filled with awe at the sight of the angel that she was not sure of the meaning of his words. Then, gradually, as he went on, she understood and accepted with humility.

 

"Rejoice, highly favored one...blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:28). From this greeting, Mary would know that something very special was going to happen to her, since to be "favored" means to be chosen--chosen of all the women, not only from her time, but throughout the ages. To be "blessed" means to receive something holy from heaven.

 

As the angel went on, Mary began to know the full meaning of his visit, and when he said that she would "conceive...and bring forth a Son..." whose name was to be Jesus or Savior, she must have remembered the many ancient prophecies of the Lord coming to earth.

 

Mary was to serve a special use as the mother of the baby Lord. We all receive blessing and delight when we perform uses. And so Mary was filled with joy. Her full-heart­ed willingness to cooperate, to humbly give her life to serve this great use, is expressed by her words: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

 

Let us also rejoice at the birth of the Lord on earth, and look for ways in which we too can serve uses for Him.

 

Amen.