The Angels of Advent Series: Mary and the Angel
By: Dr. Gregory S. Neal
Let’s take a moment to notice the remarkable differences between Mary’s encounter with the Angel and the encounters of Joseph and Zechariah. Joseph, whom we normally think of as a major character in this story and who usually has a speaking part in every Christmas play I've ever seen, in the biblical account actually never says anything at all. No actor would want this role! Joseph just has a dream, gets up, and does what the Angel says. Good boy, Joseph!
Zechariah has his encounter with the Angel while working in the Temple, and the very first thing he does after the Angel finishes speaking with him is whine: he questions what the Angel has to say, and he’s not just asking for information or clarification; he’s expressing doubt. “I’m old. Elizabeth is old. How are we gonna have a kid?” And, for his doubt, he is silenced until the baby – who will become known as John the Baptist – is born.
In today’s story of the Annunciation we find Mary asking questions! At first glance, given what happened to Zechariah, we might be a bit afraid for her until we note that her questions are not reflective of doubt. Rather, she wants to know how it’s going to happen! Let’s walk through the story.
“Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)
The Greek here can be transcribed: epei andra ou ginosko which literally means: “How can this be, since I have not known a man.” She uses the Hebraic euphemism “to know” for “had sex with.” She knows what she’s done and not done; she knows how babies come about; and, she’s not done any of that! So, how? It’s not a question of doubt, but a question of wonder. Zechariah and Elizabeth had tried for years, but had failed to produce a child, so its understandable that Zechariah is not only doubtful but, indeed, disbelieving of the promise. Not Mary. She just wants to know “how.”
Look at the Angel’s response:
“The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
That word “overshadowed” is very important. Episkeiazo means to occlude, to cover, to protect, to shield. In the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus fluoresces with the light of God’s glory like a stained glass window, it says that a dense cloud descended over Peter, James, and John on the mountain, and that God spoke to them from that cloud. The terminology for “overshadowed” used in that story is this word that is used here. It says that the cloud, on the mount of Transfiguration, overshadowed Peter, James, and John, as if to protect them from God’s glory that was shining forth through Jesus. In the explanation of Mary's conception, this overshadowing of the Holy Spirit protects Mary; it covers her, occludes her, shields her, overshadows her.
“…therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.”
Her humanity, her innocence, her lack of having a husband wasn’t an impediment to God and God’s grace in her life. She was perfectly good enough, just as she was, to bear God’s presence into the world. She was good enough for the Angel to speak to her, saying: “Greetings Favored one! The Lord is with you!” or “Hail, Mary, full of Grace … the Lord is with you!” Mary was good enough … just as she was … to be chosen by God for this wondrous calling. And, so are we.
What is God calling you to do? Unlike Mary, we have a great deal to push out of the way; we have lots of doubts, concerns, distractions, and fears; issues like these can, and often do, get in the way of us receiving what God’s messengers are saying to us. Being willing to listen, with ears and hearts of faith, is critically important. Mary listened; she listened with faith, and she accepted God’s call.
“Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)
How will we listen? Will we listen? Will we accept God’s calling on our lives to be like Mary, and to bear the faith of the Christ Child to our broken and hurting world? Mary conceived in her womb and gave birth to the presence of the eternal God in a dark, cold stable. Will we give birth to Christ, anew, through the womb of our hearts? Will we share God’s love with all?
© 2009 Dr. Gregory S. Neal
All Rights Reserved
As a popular teacher, preacher, and retreat leader, Dr. Neal is known for his ability to translate complex theological concepts into common, everyday terms. HIs preaching and teaching ministry is in demand around the world, and much of his work can be found on this website. He is the author of several books, including Grace Upon Grace: Sacramental Theology and the Christian Life, which is in its second edition, and Seeking the Shepherd's Arms: Reflections from the Pastoral Side of Life, a work of devotional literature. Both of these books are currently available from Amazon.com.