This story is featured in Prepare the Way: Advent and Christmas Bible Stories for Kids.
Luke 1:26–38
A young woman named Mary lived in Galilee. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph. An angel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of her son, and her reaction provides for us a wonderful example of faith.
As you read this story, pay attention to the way the Virgin Mary responds to the words of the angel Gabriel.
The angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, saying, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what he meant by this.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. He will be a king, and his kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am still unmarried and a virgin?”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The child to be born will be holy. He will be called Son of God.”
As if to erase any other doubt, the angel continued, “Your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. She is already six months pregnant. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Mary responded with an act of humble faith in God’s will. She said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
It was an awesome responsibility, and both Mary and Joseph placed their trust in the Lord to give them the strength to do his will.
Reflection Questions
- How did Mary react to the words of the angel?
- In what ways can we become handmaids (or servants) of the Lord?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God more and let things be done according to his will and not yours?
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