Author's notes: I just felt inspired to write out the story of the birth of Jesus after listening to a Christmas song by Natalie Grant called "One Child" yesterday. I pretty much combined the accounts of Matthew and Luke and added in the thoughts and emotions going through the minds of everyone involved. Warning: I'm not an expert on Jewish culture in Bible times so if I messed it up horribly let me know. Another warning: do not take this literally; this is simply my imagination and interpretation of the events. Hope you like it!

Chapter 1: The Message

Mary was finishing the last of her household chores for the day and singing to herself as she worked. When she was on her way home, she began thinking about many things and most of her thoughts were about her betrothed husband Joseph. I can't believe we're getting married so soon. Mary thought as she giggled to herself. Why would they choose someone like me? He's the most handsome, intelligent, strong, loving, godly man I know. I'm just... me. As far as Mary was concerned, she was just an simple, plain girl living an ordinary life. But the thing she took the most pride in was her devotion and service to the Lord. She would never trade that for anything.

Mary finally arrived at her house and went inside closing the door behind her. When she turned around, she was frightened and dropped the jug of water she was carrying when she saw a stranger dressed in all white smiling at her broadly. "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" he said. Mary was confused as to why this stranger would greet her in such a way and began backing away slowly. The stranger let out a small laugh. "Don't be afraid, Mary because you have found favor with God. I am Gabriel, an angel of the Lord and I bring you wonderful news. You will conceive a son in your womb and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."

Mary stared at Gabriel in disbelief. Did I hear that right? "H-how can this be?" Mary finally asked when words came to her. "I-I'm still a virgin."

Gabriel smiled again. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy- the Son of God."

Mary's mouth dropped. I'm carrying the Son of God? Me… God has chosen me to bring the Messiah into the world. "Wow…" she said taking a seat.

"Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son," Gabriel continued. "She is in her 6th month even though she was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God."

Mary was sure the last statement Gabriel made was for her benefit. Even though it was unbelievable that she was with child as a virgin, carrying the Messiah nonetheless, she did believe that the God she served could do anything. Even Elizabeth… nothing will be impossible with God. Mary smiled at Gabriel. "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Gabriel smiled at Mary wishing her a silent farewell before disappearing without a trace.

After Gabriel's visit with her, Mary stood there for a few minutes with a flood of emotions and thoughts going through her mind. I'm carrying the Messiah she thought to herself as she rubbed her stomach. Why would God choose me? It was scary, exciting, strange, and humbling all at the same time. I'm carrying the Messiah she thought to herself again, this time in wonder. She smiled and said a prayer of thanks and decided that she needed to visit Elizabeth.