We often underplay the significance of each part of the Christmas Story because of it’s familiarity. Because of how commercialized it’s become. For example, when the angel Gabriel visits Mary we often have this view of a simple white light standing before a very peaceful Mary. Like she’s been expecting him over for tea.
But in reality can you imagine how alarming it would have been to have an angel before you? I mean, Mary has the Old Testament in mind, angels were often alarming! There is a reason the angel Gabriel tells her to not be afraid. She has found favor. He even reassures her twice! Calling her favored in verse 28 and then telling her right away again in verse 30 that she has found favor. The angel Gabriel needed to calm her fears, he was about to drop a major message on her. The message of fulfillment.
Mary was a direct part of God’s redemption plan. He was using her to fulfill scripture. She was to be the virgin Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 7:14. You, Mary, are to bear the child that was promised to the Israelites for hundresds and hundreds of years. The greatly anticipated son that will be given to them. The One they will look to rescue them. The son that will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. That is the son you will bear onto them. He is the promised one. The Son of God himself. He is the fulfillment of the new covenant. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of in 23:5, the son of David, whose throne will never end.
That Mary is how you found favor. You are delivering the Promised Child. Scripture fullfillment. Anticipated One. You are delivering the Hope of the world.
