Every time I read all of the Scriptures concerning the birth of Christ I learn something new. In Luke 1:26-38 Mary has a conversation with the angel Gabriel. Gabriel announces to the teen that she has found favor with God Almighty. God has chosen her to bring the promised Savior into this world. Mary has a few questions. Since she is a virgin, Mary doesn’t understand how it is possible for her to have a child. Gabriel explains that conception will come through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Mary responds with a beautiful answer in verse 38, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be according to your word.” Have you ever volunteered for something only to wonder what the consequences of your decision might be?

When it became obvious that Mary was expecting, many people turned against her, thinking that she had been unfaithful to her fiance, Joseph. Friends of Joseph advised him to walk away from the relationship but another angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and explained the situation to him. I was struck by the fact that no one traveled with them from Nazareth to Bethlehem since Mary was ready to deliver her child at any moment. These two young people were alone.

The second chapter of Luke tells of the birth of Christ. When angels appeared to shepherds in nearby fields, they ran to see the promised Savior. After their visit they told everyone they knew what had taken place but Scripture tells us that Mary kept all of these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary took time to reflect on what had happened and probably wondered what the future would hold for her and her husband. God had entrusted them with His only Son…let that sink in.

As Christ matured and began His ministry I am sure some people asked, “Mary, did you know?” What about Joseph? After all, it wasn’t his child.