In the Bible’s record of how God came to earth, the Luke’s account of the Christmas story reveals that God sent the angel Gabriel to tell the virgin Mary what God was going to do. As Gabriel addresses Mary, he twice mentions (vss. 28,30) that she was “favored” by God. These words refer to grace, and grace is a favor that is given without merit.

It is important to know that although Mary was particularly blessed by God, that she also realized her need to be saved. She plainly says in Luke 1:47, when speaking to Elisabeth, that God is her Savior: “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

As the angel reveals God’s plan to Mary, he explains that God has chosen her to bring forth God’s Son (vs. 31). He tells her that she will become pregnant with God’s Son, and that she is to call His Name Jesus.

Gabriel goes on to say that her Child will be the One that will fulfill the prophecies of a coming King given to David. He said: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32,33).

Mary wonders how this will happen since she is not married. She did not ask because of unbelief or because she was not willing to be chosen for this purpose. She was said to be favored, which means she was obedient to God and was likely saved as a child.

It seems that in order to help her faith, Gabriel tells her about her cousin – Elisabeth (vs. 36). Even though she is old and had never had any children, Gabriel tells her that God did a miracle in Elisabeth’s life and she is now expecting a child. This was after she had given up hope.

The angel reveals that God will do it through His power. He then reminds her that “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (vs. 37).

Mary responds with a servant’s heart. She tells Gabriel that she wants God to do His will to her. Her willingness to do what God wants – even though she did not understand how – demonstrates the attitude that God wants all His people to have toward Him.

We also need to be willing to do what God wants. He has a purpose for every believer. Remember that He has all power and He is able to keep us as we obey Him. Are you willing to let Him use you as He sees fit?

You may also want to read:

The Prophecy of the Savior’s Unique Birth

The Chosen Place of Christ’s Birth