The Angel Tells Mary She Will Conceive and Bear a Son

Text: Luke 1:26-38

Reflection and Question: Mary is so much like us in her initial response to the angel Gabriel. She is quietly perplexed and looks afraid; Gabriel must reassure her that she is not in trouble. On the contrary, though a virgin, Mary will conceive a son, and not only that; he will reestablish the throne of David. Gabriel is confident that Mary will agree: Elizabeth’s having a son in her old age is no different from Mary giving birth at such a young age. Mary then echoes both Abraham and Samuel in her reply, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” How do you move from confusion and fear to accepting God’s call to you?

Prayer: Eternal Spirit of the Living God, we confess that Mary’s faith is beyond our ability to comprehend or emulate. May we ponder, as she does Gabriel’s greeting, her willingness to do Your will, learning from her how to be Your servant. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).