Hello, Mary

 

And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel

was sent from God to a city of Galilee named

Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named

Joseph, of the house of David; 

and the virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 1:26-27

I have always wondered what angels look like exactly.  The illustrations we usually see around this time of year show large, masculine figures with huge wings, either blowing trumpets or gathering in groups to light up the sky.  Around Valentine's Day, we see fat little cherubs with halos - strumming on harps or flitting around with bows and arrows.

Because the Bible reveals that the angel visitor sent to Mary was named Gabriel, I have always imagined him as the masculine variety with huge wings.  But it is anyone's guess what this strange being looked like.  It's a good possibility that he was rather terrifying, because the first words out of his mouth are, "Fear not, Mary!"  Whatever the angel's physical attributes, this must have been an unnerving experience for a young Jewish maiden. Given the history of the acceptable age for marriage in that culture, Mary was very likely a girl in her early teenage years, espoused to Joseph - most likely a much older man. 

We know very little about this girl, but one fact is vividly clear:  there must have been something very special about her for the Creator God to send His right-hand angel to speak with her.  And the message?  Life-shattering, to say the least!

* 

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung.

Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as those of old have sung.

It came a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,

When half spent was the night.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 216