Luke 1 ( continued) As Luke begins his chronological account, he tells about the birth of John the baptist and the foretelling of the birth of Jesus.  Gabriel, " who stands in the presence of God", was sent to speak to Zacharias in the temple and to Mary in the town of Nazareth.

This well known event starts out with Gabriel "coming in" and greeting Mary with these words, "Hail, favored one! the Lord is with you." Mary has "found favor with God", Gabriel tells her.
Favor - "charis" - grace.  It is a title of honor. It speaks of graciousness, being acceptable, being spiritually or divinely influenced. Mary was a remarkable young woman.

Think how she must have felt as she heard God's plan for her!
She would conceive a son..
She would name Him Jesus.
She would be carrying the Son of the Most High; the King of Israel; the "holy offspring"
She would be made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Who would "come upon" her.

This had to be mind-blowing and beyond comprehension !
Yet, this young woman, engaged to Joseph and preparing for a wedding.. agrees to give her whole self to the Lord, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." 

Could I do that? Would you?  It is what our Lord calls us to do! " I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." ( Romans 12:1)  Mary was a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice and she was highly favored to be called to bear the Son of God.  We, also, are His bondslaves.
May it be done in us also, according to His Word.

Mary goes to visit Elizabeth and the two are filled by the Holy Spirit, as is John, still in his mother's womb .  Mary rejoices with a beautiful song of exaltation to the Lord. God is at work, not only in her life, but in Israel and in all the world.  His mercy has come.  His mighty arm is moving. The world would never be the same again.. for Jesus, the Son of God was coming!

Father in heaven, we raise our voices to sing with Mary, "For the Mighty One has done great things for me." You have shown us mercy. You have scattered the enemy.  You have brought down the rulers from their thrones.  You have exalted the humble.  You have fed the hungry and helped the needy.
Thank You for the salvation purchased through the Life and Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. May we, like Mary, be willing servants.. giving our whole selves to You.  Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may continue to follow Jesus every day. For it is in His name we pray. Amen