“26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.” Luke 1: 26-27

The account of the birth of Jesus is full of anomalies. First among them is the fact that an angel of the Lord named Gabriel appeared on earth. Most people don’t see angels everyday. Next, there is the fact that he would land, of all places, in the city of Nazareth from which there was never any good thing reported to have come.
Then, this angel was not sent to visit a king, a priest or even a prophet. He was specifically sent to call upon a young virgin by the name of Mary.

And finally, strangest of all, is that this virgin was to become a mother as a virgin. That’s right a virgin mother! Now, there’s contradiction for you! Even in her youth, Mary was educated enough to know that a virgin could not become a mother if she had not known a man. Therefore, she asked: “How can these things be?” – And so do we.

1. She was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost – And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; The Holy Ghost was able to do in her and for her what no man could ever do.

2. She conceived – And behold, you will conceive in your womb… (v.31) The Holy Ghost did the overshadowing, but Mary contributed to the conception. She was not completely passive in the process. Conception requires cooperation.

3. She brought forth a son –  …and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus… (v.31) Here again, the Son was planted in her by the Holy Ghost, but she had to bring Him forth. And, thank God she did.

Today, the average mother among us may not be a virgin in the truest sense of the word. However, they too can become admired and revered if they allow the Holy Ghost to overshadow them, are willing to conceive what God has implanted, and then bring it forth. This refers to more than just children!