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I was sitting with my husband in a doctor's sterile office when I learned I was to become a mother for the first time.

"The test is positive," the doctor told us matter-of-factly. Then he proceeded to inform us of what the due date was, what to expect in the coming months, and what role he would play during the pregnancy.

It was a scene that has played itself out countless times in doctors' offices over many, many decades.

Contrast this familiar scene with the one we might imagine surrounding the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would soon be expecting her first child.

Mary was alone, and probably in the midst of her daily routine, no thought of babies on her mind. No wonder she pondered what kind of greeting this must have been when the angel said, "Greetings, favored one. The Lord is with you," then proceeded to inform her that she would become pregnant after being "overshadowed" by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, she was told, she would give birth to a son and name him Jesus, a son who would not only "become great," but would also be called the "Son of the Most High," who would "reign over the house of Jacob forever," and whose kingdom would have no end. Her son, Jesus, would not be hers alone, but would also be the Son of God and the Son of Man.

Wow! What a difference between the news of impending birth my husband and I received and the news given to Mary, the mother of our Lord. We were certainly excited, and we had many questions. Mary had just one, a question grounded more in biology than in doubt. She simply asked, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"

When her question was answered, she was given the additional amazing news that her relative Elizabeth -- thought to be barren -- was already in her sixth month. Though all this news must have been overwhelming, Mary gave an amazing response, a response which gives us some idea why this young virgin was indeed "highly favored" of God, and God's choice to become the mother to the Son of God and Son of Man, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father.

First, Mary responded by saying, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then, after she visited Elizabeth, Mary responded to God's news by singing what we call "the Magnificat," a song which might be said to be the most beautiful poem of praise in the entire Bible:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm;
He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.


In response to the awesome, wonderful news that she would be responsible for bearing and giving birth to the Savior, Mary said "Yes!" to God. And how!

-- Lisa Swanson Faleide
Lay Assistant, Sheyenne Rural Parish