You’re going to have a baby! Imagine the emotions that that statement brings up in many couples. Some ecstatic joy, others pure dread, others just wonder. Then, imagine getting an announcement like the one Mary and Joseph got before they were even married or had come together!

Day 1 Mary – Luke 1:28, 46-55

Long ago and far way, over two thousand years ago, in a little obscure town in Galilee called Nazareth, lived a young woman named Mary. Nothing much ever happened in Nazareth. In fact, later as Jesus was picking twelve men to be his closest disciples and companions, Philip told Nathanael about Jesus of Nazareth, the one of whom the prophets wrote. And Nathanael said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

But, years earlier an angel came to Nazareth to appear to Mary with a message from God. He greeted her with, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!” Mary, a teen-age girl, receiving a greeting like that!? Unheard of!

Day 2 Angel Gabriel – Luke 1:28-33

The angel, the messenger from God. When there was an important message to be sent directly to a person on earth, the job fell on Gabriel. Imagine, the God of the universe, wanting to speak directly to one of his creation.

The message: You have found favor with God. You will bear the promised Messiah, and you will call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God. The Holy Spirit will place him in your womb so he can be called the Son of God.

Gabriel had many other encouraging words for Mary since this was an entirely new concept for her to grab hold of. He ended with “Nothing will be impossible with God.”

Day 3 Joseph – Luke 1:26-27; Matthew 1:18-25

Nothing happens to us in a vacuum. This announcement would affect not only Mary, but also her fiance, Joseph. How would he react to this news? So, the angel also appeared to Joseph to tell him what was going on and to encourage him to continue with his plans to marry Mary.

The angel gave Joseph some additional information when he said, “Jesus would save His people from their sins.” Jesus was truly the promised Messiah through whom all the people of old had received salvation by faith in what he would do when he came. Now he is coming and people will receive salvation hereafter by faith also, but in what he did do when he came.

More to come in days ahead as we Countdown to Christmas