The Virgin Birth

Butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach as I arrived for my doctor’s appointment, hoping to discover whether I was expecting my first child. Upon examining me, the doctor determined that I was probably not pregnant, but he ran the test to be certain. While I awaited the results, adjusting to the improbability of having a baby at this time, my emotions rode a roller coaster—going from disappointment to relief to disappointment. Having never babysat or taken a particular interest in children, I had wondered if I would be a good mother. My mind was literally swirling with the responsibility of raising a child. So, imagine my surprise when the doctor returned to announce emphatically that I indeed was with child. I was going to be a mother!

While my doctor was the bearer of my good news, he paled in comparison with the angel Gabriel who announced to Mary the impending birth of a child. The gospel records, “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High’” (Luke 1:30-32). Mary questioned the angel about how this could possibly happen since she was a virgin. “The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God’” (Luke 1:35).

Mary’s thoughts must have been swirling as she considered the consequences of such a pregnancy—rejection by Joseph, ostracism from society, humiliation, the end of her very life as she knew it. Yet Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). To the world, Mary, as a young, poor maiden, had little to offer, but to God, she offered her obedience, and He was pleased.

Today, the world scoffs at the idea of the virgin birth. Even liberal theologians deny it. However, it is the foundation stone for redemption having made possible the union of deity and humanity. Not born of man, Jesus did not inherit the sinful nature of Adam, thereby becoming our sinless substitute. He is the virgin-born Savior. Worship Him!

Father, give me a heart like Mary’s that I may serve You. Amen.