"Hello, angel of God here. Don't be freaked out or anything... but God has supernaturally impregnated you.  He kinda likes you, and wants you to be the momma of his son- well actually, his word incarnate who will atone for the sins of the entire word. No worries though.  You won't have to sleep with a man; the kid will just pop out because God put him in there. And, your cousin is having an unexpected kid too. See, it's all good, God can do whatever He wants." - A kpaxian paraphrase of Luke 1:26-37

When I read the account of Gabriel talking to Mary, I cannot imagine what it would be like being on the receiving end of that message.  I can honestly say that I would have freaked out.  "You want me to do what?!? Nope, there is no way I am risking my engagement to endure nine months of pregnancy  and the judgmental looks of everyone and their brother.. and without ever having sex." Actually, I am pretty sure that my words would have been a little stronger given my track record of fighting with God.

Yet, Mary responds completely differently than most of us would. She doesn't fight, she doesn't resist, she doesn't even question. She simply says: "I am the Lord's servant,""May it be to me as you have said." (v.38)


Wow, now that is an attitude to emulate. "Okay God, whatever you want, I'm game. Just make it happen". Not only does she embrace her calling, she rejoices in her role in God's plan. A few lines later, Mary sings one of the most well known songs in the Bible- The Magnificat:

And Mary said:
   "My soul glorifies the Lord
    ⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
 ⁴⁸for he has been mindful
      of the humble state of his servant.
   From now on all generations will call me blessed,
    ⁴⁹for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
      holy is his name..."

1. Being God's servant requires instant obedience and a willing heart. And, sometimes that means no questions asked, no reluctance, and no second thoughts.
2. Being used by God is a privilege that we should rejoice in and embrace. Furthermore, Mary's rejoicing was not self centered in that she did not rejoice because God used her, but because he was using her to build His Kingdom. Mary rejoiced for all of Israel and the world that would be saved because of her son. She rejoiced because of work that was going to be done by God through her not because of her privileged role.
3. Being in a relationship with God means that we should honor Him in all that we do, and that honor sometimes means holding on to His promises until He finishes the work He has begun. Everything has a time and purpose, and God knows what is best and has perfect timing. An intimate relationship with Him may sometimes mean a rather lonely existence because some things are meant to be treasured and pondered alone within our hearts.