The Shadow and the Spirit: Mary’s Question and God’s Miraculous Answer
Scripture: Luke 1:34-35
“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34–35, ESV)
Mary’s Question: “How Will This Be?”
Picture the moment. Mary is in the presence of the angel Gabriel, who has declared God's favor toward her and revealed that she will bear God's Messiah. "You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus" (Luke 1:31).
Mary’s mind races as she grapples with the angel’s words. She believes the message but cannot help asking, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
Her question is not one of doubt but of curiosity. Unlike Zechariah's skeptical response to Gabriel’s announcement about his son, Mary’s question stems from faith. She is asking for understanding, marveling at how God could accomplish something so extraordinary.
We are drawn to Mary’s humility and honesty. Her tension feels familiar. How often do we, too, ask, “Lord, how will this be?”
God’s Ways Are Higher
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's thoughts and ways are beyond our understanding. What feels impossible to us is fully within His power. Mary’s question highlights our human frailty and the limitations of our imagination to begin understanding divine mysteries.
Gabriel's answer offers both relief and an awe-inspiring truth: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). These words point to God's creative power—the same Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2) now working within Mary to fulfill His promise.
The virgin birth reminds us to surrender our need to understand everything. Just as Mary shows faith, we are called to let go of our doubts and take Him at His word.
The Spirit’s Creative Work
Gabriel’s explanation draws us into the mystery of the incarnation. The Holy Spirit's overshadowing presence is the same word used to describe the glory cloud that rested on the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:34—a tangible sign of God's presence among His people. Now, that same Spirit is creating life within Mary—a life that is truly human and truly divine.
Hebrews 10:5-7 allows us to glimpse into a divine conversation as Jesus declares: “A body you have prepared for me.” This body, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Mary, was necessary for Jesus to be both God and man. As the Son of God, He shared in the eternal glory of the Father. As the Son of Mary, He was made like us in every way without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Prophecies Necessary for Salvation
The virgin birth fulfills promises found in the beginning of Scripture. Genesis 3:15 foretold that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head, pointing to a Savior born apart from human descent. Isaiah 7:14 declared that a virgin would conceive and bear a son called Immanuel, “God with us.” These prophecies find their fulfillment in Jesus.
Without the virgin birth, salvation would be impossible. Only Jesus, untainted by sin, could be the perfect Lamb of God. His birth was not just a miracle—it was the means by which God brought redemption to a broken world.
Reflection: Marvel at the Mystery
The virgin birth calls us to awe and gratitude. Through this miracle, God came to dwell among us. He is not a distant deity but a present Savior who knows our struggles and walks with us.
Practical Applications:
1. Embrace God’s Mystery: Trust in His plans, even when you don’t understand them. Reflect on His power to do what seems impossible.
2. Celebrate the Spirit’s Work: Recognize the Spirit’s presence in your life, bringing new life and hope where there was none.
3. Hold Onto God’s Promises: Take time to study how God has fulfilled His promises in Scripture and trust that He will keep His promises to you.
Prayer
Lord, I stand in awe of Your power and the miracle of the virgin birth. Thank You for sending Jesus to dwell among us and bring salvation. Help me to trust in Your ways, even when I cannot see the whole picture. Fill me with wonder at Your greatness and gratitude for Your grace. Amen.
Quote to Consider
““The Holy Spirit is God’s imperative of life.””
Encouragement
As we reflect on Mary’s question, remember that God's power knows no limits. The same God who brought forth life in Mary’s womb is at work in your life today. This Advent season, as you wait on God’s promises, trust that He is faithful to fulfill them. The Spirit who overshadowed Mary is also present with us, working to bring new life, hope, and purpose.
Take a moment to marvel at this mystery, and share this devotional with someone who needs encouragement today. Let the truth of His greatness fill you with hope, wonder, and gratitude this Advent season.
