Fear. Not.

"She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.” "  Luke 1:29 - 33

"Mary, don't  be afraid."

How many times has God lovingly whispered these words? "Nothing to fear. Fear not. Don't be frightened. Don't be afraid...."

So many, many times. 

In this story, Mary's story, God's story, we know the end. The glorious, incredible end.

God knew. All would be well.

But Mary?

Mary, she needed explanation.

What was prophesied about the Messiah?

Did Mary recognise the angel's words from Scripture?

Did she know Isaiah 9:6

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Did she stop being afraid, then?