“According to this narrative, Mary was possessed of a simple and meditative—we do not say dull or rustic—soul. She meets the strange salutation of the angel with fear and with a perplexed question; but when mysteries beyond all human experience are promised her, says simply, ‘Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ . . . Mary was not a modern superman, but a Jewish maiden of the first century, nurtured in the promises of God—the recipient, indeed, of a wonderful experience, but despite that experience still possessed of some capacity for wonder in her devout and meditative soul.” (J. Gresham Machen, The Virgin Birth of Christ, p. 132, arguing that Luke’s narrative is genuine and original, opposing views that claim the birth narrative is non-historical).

“It must have bewildered and confused her [Mary], but it also became an unspeakable joy to her that God wished to make use of her in order to give the world the Redeemer. God should do with her life as was His good pleasure. She would be His servant in everything. If only His name was sanctified and glorified! For that she would give herself completely.” (S.G. De Graaf, Promise and Deliverance, Vol. III., p. 316).

Quotes used in the Reflection for Sunday morning’s message at Trinity Presbyterian Church.