The Angel's Visit

Long ago, in the town of Nazareth, lived a young woman named Mary.  Mary worked hard, loved her family, and worshiped the Lord God.  She had promised to marry a carpenter named Joseph.

One day, while Mary was working quietly at home, God sent the angel Gabriel to give Mary a very special message.  Gabriel appeared before the amazed and frightened young woman and said, "Greetings, favored lady!  The Lord is with you."

Mary's head was spinning!  She couldn't understand why a messenger from God would visit her.  What did this mean?

Suddenly she heard him say, "Do not be afraid, Mary.  You have found favor with God.  You will have a baby boy and name him Jesus."

"Oh, sir, how can that be possible?"  she asked.  "I am not married!"

The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and so your child will be the Son of God."

Mary was even more surprised when the angel said, "Your cousin, Elizabeth, is going to have a baby, too, even though she is old and no one thought she could have a child.  Nothing is impossible with God."

Mary stood still for a moment.  Then she knelt down.  Her hands were shaking and her knees were trembling, but she had no doubt that what the angel said was true.  When she could speak, she looked at him and said, "I am the Lord's servant.  May it be with me as you have said."  Suddenly the angel disappeared, and Mary was alone.

(From Classic Bible Stories, A Family Treasury retold by Lise Caldwell (c) 1998 Standard Publishing.  Used by permission.  This book may be purchased at your local Christian Bookstore or from Standard Publishing (800-543-1301).