Mary's Angelic Encounter

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth to be the angelic prophet, to interpret the prophetic Word, and to reveal the purposes of God. The angel Gabriel informed Mary that God had chosen her as the virgin in which the Son of God will dwell for nine months and conception will be by the Holy Spirit. Jesus will reside in the womb of a woman who is “thou that art highly favoured.” (Luke 1:28, KJV) The Greek word for this phrase is “charitoo” which is indicative of God preparing Mary as a pure and holy temple to be a living haven for Jesus. The angel Gabriel revealed to Mary the Old Testament prophecy that the Savior of mankind was to be born of a virgin mother.

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]. (Isaiah 7:14, AMP)

God’s plan of salvation entailed great sacrifices, challenged Mary to step outside her comfort zone, and required her to trust God like never before. During the angelic encounter, the angel Gabriel assured Mary by telling her “The Lord is with you.” Mary would not have to rely on her abilities and talents because God would protect her, Joseph and Jesus throughout the mission. A story that illustrates the meaning of “the Lord is with you” is Moses and the burning bush. When the Angel of the Lord called Moses at the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, Moses was fearful and thought he was inadequate for the job. Moses responded in disbelief that the Angel of the Lord chose him for this daunting, but important task. The Angel of the Lord told Moses that God would be with him.

I will surely be with you; and this shall be the sign to you that I h...

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