Mary Receives Wonderful News

In a village called Nazareth lived a young woman named Mary.

Mary loved God. She was engaged to Joseph, a man from King David's family.

One day, she received a visit she would never forget.

God had sent the angel Gabriel to speak with her.

“Mary, God is with you,” he said.

Mary was surprised.

What did that greeting mean? Why had an angel come to see her?

Gabriel spoke gently:

“Do not be afraid, Mary. You will have a son and name him Jesus. He will be called the Son of God.”

A baby! And that baby would be the Savior God had promised!

Mary listened carefully. There were things she did not understand yet.

“How will that happen?” she asked.

Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would make that miracle possible. The child would be holy and would be called the Son of God.

Then he shared another piece of news.

Her relative Elizabeth was also expecting a baby, even though she was older.

“Nothing is impossible for God,” he assured her.

Mary did not know what each day of her future would be like. But she knew she could trust God.

“I am the Lord's servant. Let it happen just as you have said.”

Afterward, Mary traveled to the hill country where Elizabeth lived.

When she reached her house, she greeted her.

Elizabeth was filled with joy!

The baby inside her moved, and the Holy Spirit helped her understand that Mary would be the Savior's mother.

“What a blessing that you have come!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “You have trusted what God told you.”

Mary was happy too.

She began to praise God. She thanked him for remembering her and keeping his promises.

The two women had so much to share.

One was expecting the child who would prepare the way for Jesus. The other was expecting Jesus himself.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. Then she returned home.

A new journey lay ahead of her, with many things to learn.

But that wonderful news stayed in her heart: Jesus would come into the world.

And she would be his mother.

The story of Jesus' birth will continue.