Advent Reader: The Announced Child

Luke 1:26-38

This passage sets a familiar scene - the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her she will give birth to baby Jesus. But the real focus of the story isn’t on the angel’s visit - it’s on the child Gabriel announces: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”

Mary had every reason to doubt Gabriel’s message. As a Jew, she knew it was humanly impossible for God to become man. She was also engaged to Joseph so a pregnancy before marriage could mean public shame, rejection, even death. Instead of doubting God, she replied, “I am the Lord’s servant; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s faith and trust in God is so encouraging to me, especially as she was a young teenager. God blessed her faith by allowing her to be part of the greatest miracle.

Mary’s trust in God challenges me to trust Him too. When God calls us to step out in faith, even in small ways, we can remember Mary’s courage and Gabriel’s message in v37: “Nothing is impossible with God.”

We see Gabriel tell Mary she should call the baby, “Jesus”, showing God’s authority over this miraculous baby. Even though she was Jesus’ mother, He was the Lord of her life, and she lived under His authority. This has reminded me of how sovereign God is and how we are called to humbly give our whole lives to Him.