Have you ever paused when reading the account of Gabriel’s visit to Mary to wonder what was the fullness of thought in Mary’s mind? Let’s be realistic; it’s not as if people were less human in those days and given the fact that Mary was most likely rather young, I’m sure a lot more was happening with Mary than Luke tells us. The account in Luke paints a very flattering picture of Mary immediately willing to serve God in this unique way, and while I fully believe she was a willing servant, I can’t help but think that she came up with some questions for Gabriel at some point during her pregnancy. Of course what follows if fully fictional, but perhaps the full extent of the conversation with Gabriel went more like this:
G: “…and of his kingdom there will be no end”
M: O.k. slow down. I’m still adjusting to the fact that you, an angel of God, have come to talk to me. I’m just a young woman…not even yet married! And still God has sent you to me…why?
G: As I told you Mary, God has seen your faith and your willingness to follow. For that, you have found favor in the eyes of God.
M: But what about the other stuff? About a baby and a king who will reign forever? I don’t understand! How can it be that I will conceive a child?
G: Mary, take comfort. This is not just any child who will be born to you. Your son, whom you shall name Jesus, will be the Son of the Most High. It is not from Joseph that you will conceive your precious son, but from the Holy Spirit sent by God.
M (almost in a whisper): God’s child in me? I…I…I don’t know. How will Joseph respond? What will people think? Will they ever believe me? They’ll think I’ve imagined this whole thing! Who would ever believe an angel of God came to me and told me I would have God’s child? They won’t! I’ll be alone; an outcast. Is that what God wants for me?
G: Oh, Mary. I understand your fear, but you have to remember to trust God now as you always have. You are also a child of God and God does not want you to be an outcast. God will send me to talk with Joseph through a dream; he won’t leave you Mary. As for the others, it is going to take time. Some will never believe in who your son is; but some will. Mary, this is a gift too great for words. You, you and your husband, will parent the Son of God and watch him grow. There will be moments in his life that will be difficult and will not make sense, but God will see you through those moments, too. Rejoice in that knowledge Mary. You truly have found favor in God’s eyes.
M: I understand. “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
(Note: the above is original content written by this author in 2004. I suggest having a journal and Bible on-hand when you sit down with this devotional in order to complete the full aspects of it.)