The word "virgin" in Hebrew...
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The word "virgin" in Hebrew can also mean "young woman." But if we translate this passage "young woman," then the message makes little sense. It obviously means "virgin." Mary is engaged, but not yet married. Some scholars who have studied the traditions of that day, say that it was accepted that fiancées could have a baby before the marriage. It was even grounds for ending the engagement if the fiancée did not get pregnant. Some disagree with that here, especially since Joseph was ready to leave her if she got pregnant before they were married. They both needed a word from the Lord to accept God's plan for them. It did not fit their traditions.
What does fit for us is that Jesus, God's Son, was in every way human. He did not come down full-blown as a prophet but started where we all start -- as a baby. He had the pain and struggle of childhood and the labor of a teenage carpenter helping his dad, and he had the temptations that we all have. He was tempted in every way such as we, but without sin. He proved it could be done.
It must have been hard for Mary to accept what the angel was telling her. She had trouble believing it, which indicates her humanity also. None of us find it easy to accept the miraculous. This must have been especially true of Mary when she was told the full story about this child.
Even though Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus, Jesus' lineage is traced through him back to David. It does show that God can do anything. It does not have to fit into our logical minds. Obviously Jesus was adopted by Joseph, so maybe adoption is just as good. We are also adopted children of God through our baptism.
One thing this passage teaches us is that even though we might be shocked and have doubts, the important thing is that we believe and obey.
What does fit for us is that Jesus, God's Son, was in every way human. He did not come down full-blown as a prophet but started where we all start -- as a baby. He had the pain and struggle of childhood and the labor of a teenage carpenter helping his dad, and he had the temptations that we all have. He was tempted in every way such as we, but without sin. He proved it could be done.
It must have been hard for Mary to accept what the angel was telling her. She had trouble believing it, which indicates her humanity also. None of us find it easy to accept the miraculous. This must have been especially true of Mary when she was told the full story about this child.
Even though Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus, Jesus' lineage is traced through him back to David. It does show that God can do anything. It does not have to fit into our logical minds. Obviously Jesus was adopted by Joseph, so maybe adoption is just as good. We are also adopted children of God through our baptism.
One thing this passage teaches us is that even though we might be shocked and have doubts, the important thing is that we believe and obey.
