I encourage you to read the bibliucal account in Luke 1:26-38. What was going on in Gabriel’s mind when he announced the coming of Jesus to Mary? Are you curious?
I saw the day Gabriel spoke to Mary. He is not what you would expect. Gabriel is very normal, humble, and calm in his voice. He is an angel of silver starlight; he stands in the light of dusk and dawn by the one who created him. Some angels call him the Blue Star of heaven. He is very much like a star, bold, fierce, brilliant, and kind.
I watched Gabriel stand before Mary, holding his hand out to her to bring peace. He smiled to assure her she was safe with him. As his wings unfolded, time stood still for a brief moment as his voice filled reality. The angel’s robe of brilliant blue light fluttered with joy, like stars dancing in the sky. The gentle breeze of his appearance moved his curly white and silver hair. He paused a moment as Mary took deep breaths. Her eyes glowed from the silver blue light emanating from this powerful messenger.
As I looked at Gabriel, I noticed something in this angel’s heart. He knew the messiah and loved Him. His God, his king, is about to be born. Even if he did not fully understand it all, he knew it would be good news. For a moment, Gabriel needed to pause to reflect before his words flowed from his mouth. What he was about to say was going to change the world. He was part of the greatest miracle ever seen on earth. God was about to become a man and save everything. His kingdom was coming. Gabriel remembered the conversations with his brothers, Michael, Raphael, and many more. The great question of the angels, how is humanity going to be saved?
When Father sent Gabriel to the earth, he dashed across the skies of heaven into our planet, but the significance of such a message finally struck him. Jesus, the Son of God, is coming; the time is now.
Gabriel’s eyes began to fill with tears of joy! It is good news! It is really good news! The angel wings moved up and down as his voice echoed in our time, “Greetings, favored one. The Lord is with you.” He continued to hold his hands out gracefully towards Mary, as he said, “God favors you, do not be afraid. You will conceive and bear a son, and you will call him Jesus. He shall be great, and his throne will last forever. He will sit on the throne of his father David, and His reign will have no end.
Mary questioned Gabriel as her eyes looked up towards his large, silver-blue wings, “I do not understand; how can this be? I have never been with a man; I have no husband. I am a virgin.”
Gabriel smiled as he watched the Holy Spirit descend in the room as a brilliant light. He encouraged her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason, the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”
Gabriel spoke of Elizabeth and her pregnancy, “Is nothing impossible with God?” He asked her. He waited for her response. The room was silent; the distant glory from the realm of heaven waited for her response. Mary searched her own heart even if she didn’t fully understand; she wanted this path God had called her to. She searched Gabriel’s face and saw hope but also a plea within that she would obey God’s word.
She said with startling clarity, “I am the Lord’s servant. Lord, may it be done according to your word.” Mary inhaled deeply as it seemed ages since her last breath due to the magnificence of this encounter, “Yes, I am the Lord’s servant.”
Gabriel closed his eyes, and tears flowed down, but he quickly turned to leave. He didn’t want her to see him cry. Mary moved him by her willingness to give herself to this message, to this life that would forever change her, even Gabriel!
My friends, there is so much more to know. Merry Christmas!