The Favored- Part Two...

 THE LULU CHRONICLES

(continued...)

            Mary got out of her bed and stood in the middle of the room.  She looked straight into the face of the angel.  His words pulsated through her veins like a bulging stream after a storm.  Gabriel’s words were not lost.  She grasped their meaning.  Her betrothed, Joseph, would not be this child’s father.

            “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” she asked.

            “Gabriel looked down upon the girl.  She did not shake.  She did not flinch.  She stood facing him-- solid as a soldier given a command. 

Comprehending.  Understanding.  Never had he been face-to-face with such faith.  It made him feel as if it should be she with the wings.

            Gabriel lowered his eyes in reverence and explained, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.”

            Mary stood still, almost unable to breath.  She had been chosen.  God had looked upon her with preference.  She would give birth to the one who would de-throne David.  She would mother the Messiah.

            Again, Gabriel felt the confidence of the girl.  She penetrated his being and comforted his own spirit.  No wonder she was the one.

            “Your cousin, Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age,” he said to assure her; even though he knew it was not necessary.  “She who is called barren is now in her sixth month.  You see, nothing will be impossible with God.”

            Mary never doubted.  She smiled at the thought of Elizabeth, her beloved Elizabeth.  Childless and humiliated for years--now carrying a child ordained by God.

            To Gabriel’s surprise the girl knelt down and said, “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord.  Be it done to me according to your word.”

            The Messenger fought the urge to touch her.  Her unquestioning faith filled him up.  Now that he has been in her presence, the charge she is given almost brings him to his knees.  How plausible it sounded in the heavens! But now, looking upon this tiny woman--the one who would balance all inside her womb, Gabriel was overwhelmed by The Plan of the Most Holy.  Nagging in his soul was caution--lurking behind every doubt would be the Fallen One.

            He longed to stay, to never leave her side.  He wanted to protect her with all his might, to stand guard and not allow danger to even shadow her.  But he knew he must leave.  His assignment, for now, was done.

              For a second longer, he beheld the favored one in his sight.  Never had he seen anyone so radiant and so accepting of her destiny.  Never would he encounter it again.

 

            And, then he was gone.

            Mary waited alone.  She did not have to wait long.

                                               TO BE CONTINUED...