The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary

The angel Gabriel is sent to a young woman named Mary, pledged to be married to Joseph, a descendant of David.

Gabriel greets Mary and tells her that she has found favor with God. She is troubled and wonders what the greeting means.

The angel tells her not to be afraid. She will conceive and give birth to a son named Jesus.

Gabriel describes the child as great, as the Son of the Most High, and as the heir to David’s throne whose kingdom will not end.

Mary asks how this will happen since she is a virgin.

Gabriel answers in terms of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High, and points to Elizabeth’s unexpected pregnancy as a sign that nothing will be impossible with God.

Mary responds by identifying herself as the Lord’s servant and accepting what has been spoken.

She then travels to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth blesses Mary, and Mary responds with the song traditionally called the Magnificat, praising God for mercy, reversal, and faithfulness to Abraham’s descendants.

Luke thus introduces Jesus’ birth through promise, divine initiative, and the response of a young woman who receives a calling whose full consequences she cannot yet see.