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. They had promised to marry, and because they were not married yet, they were not yet living together.

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 to rescue us from sin!

Mary listened carefully. There were things she did not understand yet: how could she have this baby when she was not yet living with Joseph as his wife?

“How will that happen?” she asked.

Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would make that miracle possible: Mary would have the baby without a human father. The child would be holy and would be called the Son of God. The Son of God had always existed; now he would come to live among us as a human being.

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.

Elizabeth's baby would be named John. When he grew up, he would help people get ready to welcome Jesus. Mary 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.