Lo, a Star

Mary’s Visitor

Mary was alone, and praying that hot, sultry afternoon. Even as a young child, Mary had spent time each day talking with her Lord. The small room where she knelt was in shadow; the single window heavily draped against the suns relentless rays and the stifling heat.

Even though her eyes were closed, the brilliant light that suddenly filled the room drew Mary’s attention and she instinctively turned toward the window. The curtains were still in place, but now the room glowed brightly, a great light reflecting off the weathered woven threads. Startled, Mary felt a tingle of fear as she twisted around to try to discover the source of this strange light. The light was so intense that Mary raised her arm to shade her eyes. And, then her fear became awe and she was filled with wonder as what now appeared to be a glowing figure began to speak “Rejoice highly favored one, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women.”

Mary did not move, but the gentle, melodious voice somehow eased her fear. She lowered her hand and looked away and then back at the glowing figure. “Could this be an angel?” she wondered. The light did not seem so blinding now, but the whole room seemed to shimmer as the glowing figure continued speaking, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God and behold, you shall conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there will be no end.”

The angel paused and Mary tried to think about the words she had just heard. In the quiet room, the angel’s strange message seemed to echo over and over in her mind. But, she thought, or did she say it aloud, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”