This passage takes place during a season of expectation for the people of Israel. It was a dark and hopeless time but they were holding on to the promise of a coming King. Nazareth was a place of mixed people, and filled with corruption and poverty. Mary was a typical Jewish person of the time, living under the Roman Empire with the shame of her people. But God had chosen her as a recipient of His divine favor. Mary realized she was in need. This is what God looks for--people who know their need. God tells Mary that He will take away their shame by bringing salvation to her people. Christ’s coming is an end to our slavery and fears. Like Mary’s people preparing for the first coming of Christ, we are to prepare for the second coming of Christ. The purpose of Christ’s coming is to destroy the works of the devil and the hold of sin in our lives. He came to give a future hope of a coming Kingdom without end. God is mindful of us. If we will receive Christ and believe in the Gospel, we can have peace with God. In seasons of expectation, we can become indifferent and doubt. If this happens, turn to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you to trust Him. Advent reminds us that God answers His promises. Mary resigned herself to the will of God. She was submissive and obedient to His will and committed herself to it. Will you do the same? See the promise of God and what it means to you specifically, and then commit yourself to that.