The angel Gabriel comes to give to Mary startling news. Mary is told she will have a Son who would be great, who would be King. But even more amazing is the truth that He would not be of human origin but from God. (v35)

Mary is very fearful (v29). Often when God comes to bless us wonderfully, we can be very concerned as we pass into unknown waters. We need to learn to trust God more and not let the unknown hold us back from fitting into His plans for us which are full of love and grace.

Mary discovers that her Son will be called Jesus, which is the Greek version of Joshua and means ‘Jehovah saves’ (v31). Gabriel, in order to reassure Mary of God’s power in these things, points out what is happening to Elizabeth, an elderly lady who was now expecting her first baby. How can this be? The answer is simple (v37), ‘For with God nothing will be impossible.’

Is there some way in which God wants to use you for a privileged role? Don’t let the fear of the unknown cause you to miss out in being used for the Lord’s glorious work. Let us remember, that to be involved in the Lord’s work is not an unwelcome burden, but it is to be highly favoured.