We begin our Advent journey by looking at the unexpected appearance of the angel with Mary. Mary is a young Jewish girl who lives in a poorer part of the region, but her life has been unexpectedly turned upside down. Not only was the angel unexpected, but the message this messenger brought was beyond unexpected. I know how I react when unexpected news comes my way, and it is definitely not like the response of this young girl who shows us such bravery, obedience, and faith.