Discovering the News

"Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel," (Isaiah 7:12 NIV).

Back in the olden days (40 years ago) finding out about a pregnancy usually happened by a visit to the physician. I'm not even sure there were pregnancy test kits yet. The woman may have had an inkling or may have received a surprise. But, no woman other than Mary received such a big surprise, not even if the doctor pronounced twins or triplets.

Mary had no idea that she was the virgin who would be chosen to carry and deliver the Blessed baby

Jesus. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David, but they had never been together. Luke tells the story of the Angel's visit to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 NIV, as follows:

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth...The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."

I can't imagine Mary's emotions at this time. Her head must have been spinning with questions, concerns, and most of all, praise to God for this amazing blessing! She expresses her feelings in song, often called the Magnificat, Mary's song reveals that she believes what the Lord has told her would happen, and that she would praise God and give Him the glory!

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name," (Luke 1:46-49 NIV). Mary's song continues to list the many attributes of God that she has seen.

December begins with the proclamation of the coming of Christmas Day. We cannot let the trivial tasks of the season overshadow the real story of Jesus' birth. Let our hearts fill with the joy and wonder Mary must have experienced as we anticipate the day of our Lord's birth.