The night was still early. It was eight o'clock, her brothers had slept and Mary was getting ready to sleep. She adjusted the alarm on her phone, tomorrow was Sunday and they needed to be at church early especially with the fact that she was in the choir. Their church was a kilometre away from their house. It was in her church that she got to understand her relationship with God and what he wanted to do with her life. Her friends most times called her a God freak- someone who always put God first without trying to enjoy what one has in front of one- and she didn't really care about what they called her. God was her father and will be there for her no matter what came her way. She picked up her Bible and read through Genesis 24. Her favourite books of the Bible were the first five book of Moses. They talked about the encounter between a group of people and the Lord of the world in the course of history. These books gave her reassurance that she and many others could have a divine encounter with the Lord. She said a quick prayer and then went to sleep
$$$$
She tumbled on the bed as she heard her name. No one else was at home except herself and the boys. She heard her name again. This time she began to open her eyes slowly and saw a manly figure sitting on the stool beside her bed. He was in all-white regalia and looked serene. Her first attempt to shout proved futile as she was stopped by a force stronger force. He was just to peaceful to be harmful. After gathering enough courage she sat up straight and asked, 'Who are you and how did you get in?'
The man just smiled at her and that gave her unexpected comfort and peace. His hair was sleek and deep black, nicely cut. His face looked fresh as a newborn baby. She could see in his eyes that he was different from all normal people. He wasn't an human being that's for sure. But who was he?Many questions ran through her mind yet she wasn't disturbed she had a strange peace within her.
'Virgin Mary, greetings.' The man began to speak breaking the unending silence. 'You are highly favoured among all men!' The Lord is with you.'
'How do you know my name? Who are you?' She shouted. She was shocked at how this man sitting across her knew her name. She stood up and went towards the door of her wardrobe, opened it and picked a bat. He was going to get the beating of his life whether he was human or not. She wondered what kind of greeting that was.
The man noticing her fear spoke in a calmer voice, 'Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus.'
Mary laughed at the thought of having a child at her age. She had known of people who got pregnant at a tender age and faced motherhood with stress. The bat was already at a swing-and-attack position. This man wasn't in his right senses. He looked deep into her eyes and she felt she had known him for eternity. She lowered the bat and closed her eyes hoping it was all a dream.
'What'd you mean I'd be with child and name him Jesus? I am still a young girl, sixteen to be precise and I have never had sex in my life talk less of nurturing a child. This is a Joke right?' Mary finally questioned after she opened her eyes. The man's smile sent creeps down her spine as she knew that was an affirmative smile to her question.
Mary went towards the parlour and sat on a chair. She needed to process this. The man looked at her and as If not minding how she felt at that moment 'He will be great and will be the Son of the Highest King. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom will never end.'
Mary saw the man didn't even mind her questions and she was tired of being ignored. She still had to ask though because she was confused. 'You still haven't told me how all these will take place. I am still a virgin as you said earlier.' She went towards the glass door and sighed as she looked outside. What was really going on? Was this a dream but it felt so real.
'You will have a child through the Holy Spirit, he'd descend upon you.' At that point, something touched her soul. It was a reaffirming thought and something that gave her peace in spite of the confusion in her way. This wasn't what she bargained for when she decided to follow God. Her whole life was at stake here, her social life was about to be ruined but she knew deep down that God's plan for her life was about to come to pass, maybe all she could do was accept it rather than fighting it. 'You could at least tell me your name. I know you aren't human.' Mary inquired after minutes of silence.
'I am Just an angel of the Lord, a messenger. Angel Gabriel, the one with the good news of God.'
'How was this good news?' she murmured. 'Well Angel Gabriel, a part of me hopes all what you just said isn't true shout out loud because my life will crumble down slowly and I'm happy that God loves me exceedingly that He has chosen me for something great. I hope you know this is a disaster to my social life but I leave it all to God and I'd try to be His instrument for His use.' Angel Gabriel smiled at her to reassure her as if knowing her deepest thoughts. He then walked out of the house gracefully and disappeared into the sky like a shooting star.
$$$$
Mary tumbled on her bed then jolted awake. What had just happened? Was that all a dream? Why did it feel so real? She felt someone watching over her steps from that moment henceforth. She sat up straight and picked her Bible and prayed to God to make everything clearer to her. She laid down and slept more peacefully than before knowing fully well that God was watching her.