“Greeting, Highly Favored One! Jehovah is with you.” 1
And with those words began a most amazing interview
Between a maid betrothed to wed a man of David’s line
And the archangel, Gabriel, the messenger divine.
Imagine her astonishment, the thrill within her heart,
As Mary wondered what on earth he meant by such a start. 2
But if she had foreknown the woes those words would bring her way,
Could she have borne to listen to the things he had to say?
“Fear not, for, Mary, you have found great favor with the Lord.” 3
Yet Simeon would promise her a soul pierced with a sword. 4
Could she have known God’s favor rarely means a tranquil course?
Did she know fear when Joseph contemplated a divorce? 5
“You will conceive and bear a child, the son of the Most High.” 6
Did she perceive that she would watch her reputation die?
An unwed mother guilty found, through truly innocent.
And if she knew, could she have given such complete consent?
“He will be given David’s throne, forever will He reign.” 7
No mention of his suffering, his loneliness and pain.
Could she have seen this royal road would lead through Calvary?
Or did she know Messiah had to die to set men free?
“I am the handmaid of the Lord; Let all be as you’ve said.” 8
Would her reply have differed had she known what lay ahead?
And I, had I been in her place, would I as graciously
And humbly accepted what the Lord had planned for me?
For no one can anticipate the griefs along life’s way.
Our only calling is to walk obediently each day,
Secure in the sweet confidence as ever on we plod,
That nothing – simply nothing! – is impossible with God! 9
by Pamella Rivet