There is more to this Christmas story ~
Zacharias, an elderly Jewish priest is visited by the angel Gabriel and told that he and his elderly barren wife will give birth to a long awaited child who will be named John. Mary, a teenage virgin betrothed to Joseph is also visited by Gabriel and told that she will give birth to God's Son through immaculate conception. Both are presented with miracles. Both were a bit confused and perplexed by what they heard. Both chose to react very differently.
Zacharias' responded in disbelief. He demanded a further sign that what he was being told the truth. His reward was an inability to speak over the course of his wife's pregnancy.
Mary responded in belief. "Okay," she said, "If you, the God of the universe, can work out this miracle thing who am I to disbelieve and get in your way? I am your willing maidservant." And many blessings were heaped upon her to which Mary said:
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me. ~ Luke 2:46-49
Mary chose to believe. Mary chose to obey. Her faith, her choice, her obedience blessed not only her but all of mankind.
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