Gabriel

Through Mary, the eternal God made his way into the temporal world. Indeed, the Lord was with her!

Not everyone knew about Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah regarding the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus. But the manner of his birth to parents well past childbearing age, and Zechariah’s recovered speech left them “filled with awe.” They knew that this child was destined for a special assignment, “For the Lord’s hand was with him.”

The angel told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, who was well beyond childbearing years, was six months pregnant. As soon as the angel left, Mary hurried to the hill country. Seeing Elizabeth’s pregnancy confirmed to Mary that Gabriel’s visit was not a dream; she would indeed give birth to the Son of God.

God chose a small-town girl for a big-time mission. John Donne described it as “immensity cloistered in thy dear womb.” Through Mary, the eternal God made His way into the temporal world. Indeed, the Lord was with her.