Luke 1:26-39 (NRSV)

When the angel Gabriel breaks into Mary’s life, she responds with confusion, resistance, and fear – and with good reason! The text says that she is “greatly troubled!” And yet, Mary steps forward anyway, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” But notice, Mary’s yes is not immediate and not naïve, it is rooted in her vulnerability, trust, and even survival. The Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee describes Mary’s quandary (and perhaps our own) in this way:

Mary’s question “How can this be?” is not doubt—it is agency. It is a boundary drawn around her body, a claim to her own understanding before offering consent. Gabriel does not rebuke her. Instead, he offers a promise: divine initiative (“the Holy Spirit will come upon you”) and shelter (“you will be overshadowed”). These words carry no hint of coercion; they speak of protection, not domination. Still, her consent remains essential. Mary listens, considers the impossible, and then responds with courage: “Let it be with me according to your word.” (Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, Sanctified Art)