Luke 1:26-27
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

Six months after Gabriel delivered God’s message to Zechariah, God sent the angel with another message, this time to a virgin named Mary who lived in Nazareth.

This was a long way from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life and worship. Located on a major trade route, Nazareth was frequently visited by Gentile merchants and Roman soldiers. Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up in Nazareth.

Mary was not a prophet or a priest; she was not in God’s temple performing acts of service. Instead, she was a young woman who was living at home and planning her wedding, she was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph.

In Jewish marriages, the word “pledged” (or “betrothed”) had a different meaning than today. First, the two families would agree to the union and negotiate the betrothal. This included a price for the bride which is paid to the bride’s father. The second step was a public announcement. At this point, the couple was “pledged.” This is like engagement today, except it was much more binding. At this time, even though the couple was not officially married, their relationship could be broken only through death or divorce. No sexual relations were yet permitted. This second step lasted for a year.

During that time, the couple would live separately, with their parents. This waiting period would demonstrate the bride’s purity. If she were found to be pregnant during this time, the marriage could be annulled. After this waiting time, the couple would be married and begin living together.

Mary was young, poor, female; all characteristics which to the people of her day would make her seem unusable by God for any major task.

But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience He has ever asked of anyone.

You may feel your ability, experience, or education makes you an unlikely candidate for God’s service. Don’t limit God’s choices.

He can use you if you trust Him.

Take Him at His word.