Mary was a young teen. (Think freshman.) She lived in a small town located near nowhere, and she was a virgin. Like most girls her age, Mary was already engaged to be married. Her future husband was the village carpenter, and the rest of her life was entirely predictable.

Until Gabriel, the archangel, showed up at her house. After four hundred years of no angels, miracles, or messages from God, Gabriel appeared to tell Mary she was going to have a Baby. Here’s what he said:

• You are favored — God is with you!

• You will conceive and bear a son

• You will name Him Jesus (which means God saves)

• He will be the Son of the Most High God

• He will reign forever on the throne of King David

Mary, in all sincerity, asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

What comes next is the pivot point of the Bible (see Luke 1:35). Gabriel announces that the child will be like no other — He will not have a human father! His Father will be the Most High God, the Sovereign Ruler of All.

How did Mary respond to her first encounter with Jesus Christ? “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

What an example.