What the Angel Said

Read Isaiah 55:8-13.

Did it really happen, or did she just imagine it? Was it a waking dream, some imaginary happenstance she herself had dreamed up? Everything she knew about God—and she knew a lot about God—told her that, though he often asked much of his children, this was too much. This was impossible. This was unbelievable—especially if it was true and the time came to tell others what had happened. And Joseph. What would she tell Joseph?

She went over it again in her heart and mind. She had gone to the well, the familiar well, the place where everyone in Nazareth drew water. She had gotten there early this day, before anyone else, which was disappointing. While someone had to be first, she didn't like to be that someone. She looked forward every day to the conversation, the camaraderie, and yes, the gossip. It kept her connected. But that day she had been first, so she would have to wait. Draw the water slowly, and hope that others showed up soon.

That's when he appeared. The angel. Or what she thought was an angel. She'd never seen a real one, though she had dreamt about them enough. Maybe that's what this was, a dream. But no, there was a quality to the air that was different—like the heavenly realm had broken, just a little bit, into her world. And he called her by name; no angel in her dreams had ever done that. "Mary," he said. "You have found favor with God. You will be the mother to his son."

Mother? Impossible. She had never been with a man and had only recently been betrothed to Joseph. There was that pang of sadness that shot through her heart again. Joseph—dear Joseph. What would she tell him? Would he believe that the angel had told her she would be "overshadowed" (what did that mean?) by the Holy Spirit and that's who she would become pregnant? Would he believe that this child, while not his, was not any other man's either?

Even as the angel spoke, Mary heard in her spirit a whisper of a piece of Scripture she had memorized early in her life. "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord." As she gazed into the angel's face, she heard the words of the prophet again, words rooted deep in her soul: "This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever." This is not about you, Mary. This is about me, saving the world. Trust me, and everything will be all right.

Without thinking, Mary found herself saying, "May it be to me as you have said." And just like that, the angel was gone. Within seconds, the others from the village began to gather at the well. She didn't have much to say that day. She just smiled to herself as the usual chatter went on. She had a secret; they would know it soon enough.

Had it really happened? Her hand dropped to her belly, and it seemed something was stirring there. The time would pass quickly. She would be a mother. And the whole world would be saved because of her. At least that's what the angel said.