Gabriel greets Mary as the favored one, whom the Lord is with. Luke tells us that she is greatly troubled at the saying. Apparently, she is also afraid and at a loss for words.

Matthew connects the prophecy of the coming Messiah, about 700 years prior (Isaiah 7:14), to Joseph’sencounter with an angel in a dream. Originally, Isaiah spoke this prophecy to King Ahaz, to encourage him to trust in the Lord’s deliverance for Judah. But the overwhelming Assyrian empire was more real to Ahaz than God was. Though King Ahaz was faithless towards God, God was still faithful in delivering Judah. This very prophecy of the virgin birth, which is unfolding in Mary’s womb, is now brought to light by an angel in Joseph's dream. Unlike King Ahaz, Joseph is compelled by God’s command.

The author, Matthew, focuses on Joseph’s response to this surprising news - Mary is pregnant, but not with Joseph’s child.

As Zechariah continues his spontaneous poem, he turns his attention to his newborn son. He reveals the purpose of John's life, that he will be the one to declare Jesus to the nation of Israel. He will prepare Israel for Jesus, speaking of God’s salvation and His desire to forgive them of their sins. All because of his tender mercy, God is here again to save his people.

Zechariah’s tongue is finally loosed and he is able to speak. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he erupts into a spontaneous poem of remembrance of who God is. It’s as if the writer of the story, Luke, is pulling back the curtain and we are getting a glimpse into the bigger picture of God’s plan.

The town is abuzz during the circumcision ceremony of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s new son, who was born under unusual circumstances.

After years of waiting, an old woman finally becomes a mother.

After his interaction with the angel, Zechariah is left unable to talk.

As Zechariah is going about his priestly duties in the innermost part of the temple, he is surprised by an angel who gives him a startling message.  

The beginning of Jesus’s birth story starts in a strange place, not with him, or his parents, but with his relatives and their child.