The Announcement of Our Dear Savior’s Birth

Luke 1:26-35, GNT

The story of the announcement of the birth of Jesus began in verses 26-27 when God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth with a message for a young woman named Mary. Mary was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. According to Jewish tradition and law, this was the first stage of marriage. Even though she continued to live with her parents for about a year, she was referred to as a “wife.” The agreement was legally binding and could only be nullified by a divorce.

The angel came to her and said, “Peace be with you!” The angel prophesied, telling her that she is highly favored, the Lord is with her, and she is blessed among women (v.28, KJV)! The angel’s message troubled Mary greatly, and she wondered what his words meant (v.29). No doubt the angel saw that she was visibly shaken so he spoke to calm her fears. He told her to not be afraid because God has been gracious to her (v.30). The angel delivered God’s message: “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus (v.31). He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was (v.32), and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end (v.33)!”

Mary said to the angel, “I am a virgin. How, then, can this be (v.34)?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God’s power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy (sinless) child will be called the Son of God” (v.35).

Thank God for sending His angel to announce the miraculous birth of our Savior! Give Him praise and a hand clap for Mary; she yielded herself to the Spirit of God.