 Israel or Judea as it was called, was the home of the Jews. At that time Judea was ruled by
King Herod, he was appointed King by Emperor Augustus Caesar of Rome.
The Jews were tired of being ruled by the Romans. The Jews longed to be free. The prophets had said that one day God would
sent someone to deliver them from their enemies. This person would be called Messiah.
People hoped and prayed that Messiah would come soon. They often thought and talked about how Messiah would look like.
At this time, there lived a young woman called Mary in the city of Nazareth, in Galilee. Mary was gentle and good and often
prayed to God. Soon Mary was to marry Joseph who also lived in Nazareth. He was a carpenter by profession. He was good
hardworking man.
One day when Mary was sitting alone, she was suddenly aware of someone else in the room. Mary was afraid. Then a voice said:
"Don't be afraid, Mary. I am Gabriel, the angle of God. I have come to tell you that you are favored in the sight of God."
Mary did not understand what angel meant. But she was not afraid anymore.
"Listen," Gabriel said, "to you, Mary, will be born a son, and you will call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will
reign forever and forever.
Mary did not understand how all this could happen. But Gabriel told her: "The Holy Spirit will be with you, and Holy child
which shall be born to you will be the son of God."
When Mary heard these words, she said: "I am the servant of the Lord, and I will do all the things which are asked of me."
Then the angel went away. Mary decided to visit her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea. |
