In the village of Nazareth, which lies among the Galilean hills, there dwelt "a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary" (Luke 1:27). Thus with characteristic simplicity the Gospel writer introduces us to the maiden whose son was to be hailed as king of the Jews and Saviour of the world. Mary's background is shrouded in the mists of uncertainty, despite the numerous traditions concerning her parentage and early life, and this very fact serves to focus attention upon that deep spirituality and purity of thought which enabled her, while yet a virgin, to conceive and give birth to Jesus the Christ. Luke suggests that the first intimation of this great impending event came through the angel Gabriel, who quieted Mary's amazement with the assurance that she had found favor with God, and that His power would overshadow her and her child.
In the circumstances it was but natural that Mary should seek out her relative Elisabeth, who also was soon to bear a child of promise. Her faith still further confirmed by the instant assurance and encouragement of Elisabeth, Mary briefly but joyously praised God for His goodness. In due course she returned to Nazareth, only to journey once more to Judea some months later in company with Joseph, to whom she was betrothed; and there, in the village of Bethlehem, "she brought forth her firstborn son, . . . and laid him in a manger" (Luke 2:7). But swiftly the curtain of obscurity was raised, for shepherds and Magi alike came to do honor to her child, while the blind jealousy of Herod forced Joseph and the young mother to flee with Jesus to the land of Egypt, whence at length they returned to Nazareth.
As the Gospel narrative unfolds, we gain various brief glimpses of Mary's attitude towards her son. She who had risen to such heights that she could give birth to the Messiah, had yet frankly "marvelled" at Simeon's recognition of him in the temple; while twelve years later, during a further visit to that sacred spot, she "understood not" Jesus' announcement that he must be about his Father's business. Yet the record goes on to suggest that so far from dismissing these significant sayings, she wisely pondered over them.
