How can this be?

Between the Old Testament and the New Testament we see that God had been silent for 400 years. The people of Israel had been awaiting the Messiah.

When Jesus was born, there was no fanfare. God chose an average woman named Mary living in an out-of-the-way place.

Mary found favor with God. God's choice of Mary comes from His grace - not through any work done by Mary. This is unearned merit. God steps into Mary's life and brings her into His service - not the other way around.

But Mary's response is, "How can this be?" Mary's faith is tested. The angel responds, "Nothing us impossible with God" to which Mary replies, "I am the Lord's servant."

In this we must remember that God seeks us as ordinary people in ordinary places.