Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
The angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” Mary was
troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.
But the angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall
conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great, and shall rightly
be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his
ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever; and his reign shall have no end.”
Then 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; With God nothing is impossible.” Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord,
let it be done to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.
Reflect
Most of us have heard the story of the annunciation to Mary so many times that it has
become so familiar that we can miss the wonder of what Jesus has done and is doing.
The wonder goes beyond the biological miracle of a virgin conceiving and giving birth.
The greatest wonder of all is that God decided to become human so that, through
Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection, we might gain a share in the divine life and so live
with God forever in heaven. It’s amazing that God chose Mary for this honor. She wasn’t
rich or famous or powerful. She lived in a small town in Galilee. Her espoused husband,
though of the house of David, was not part of the royal line of succession. He was a poor
carpenter. Yet these simple people were chosen to raise God’s Son.
In these seasons of Advent and Christmas, may we regain our sense of wonder so that
we may be attentive to God’s presence and action in our lives.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023