Luke 1:34-35 “Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin? And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.”

I gaze around the room where everything familiar to me suddenly feels different. The walls appear brighter and the curtains covering the window blow slightly in the breeze, allowing the night wind to dance in and cool my flushed face. Because, the words of this angel have changed everything. The Messiah is coming and the Lord is moving again for his people. All the stories I have heard as a child are playing out in front of me and I feel as if I’m on the stage unaware of my role or my lines. What should I say?

I ask the angel for a slight clarification, because I believe the Lord will do this, but I do not understand how it will be accomplished. Even though Joseph is my betrothed, I am still a virgin and have vowed to remain so. Joseph knows this.  If I am to conceive a son, is it too much to ask how? I want to do my part, but I can’t do that if I’m unsure of what part I play. 

The angel calmly responds with words so beautiful. Adonai, You are so good to know and love me this well. My eyes are welling up with tears imagining that the closeness with You that I long for with everything in me could become a reality. I am not worthy, but I am willing. This child will be different. The Son of God. This will be a miracle beyond anything ever seen. The Holy Spirit of God will come to me and it will begin. So this son will have God as his Father and a humble young woman, with little to give except her heart, will be his mom. I trust in You, even if this sounds beyond my comprehension.

Reflection Questions: Have you ever felt that longing to be closer to the Lord and to do something for Him that would make a difference in this world? Mary loved the Lord with all her being. How do you think she felt about being chosen in this way? What thoughts must have raced in her mind at the thought of being with child in her situation? Place yourself in her position. What thoughts would be going on in your mind and how would you be feeling? And how is Mary’s question different from Zechariah’s, that she does not become mute when she asks? 

Prayer: Sweet Jesus, Your mother was open to the voice of the angel and heard the good news with a trusting heart. She may not have understood how it would all play out, but she believed that You would bring about what You promised, and her faith pleased You. Help me to have that same faith in who You are and Your power and love. Help me to trust you with my future and to listen bravely to Your call in my life. Amen.