Luke 1:5-25 gives us the record of the special birth of John the Baptist. It was the result of renewed youthful virility and fertility. The virgin conception is a 'one and only one' event; it is described in Luke 1:26-38.

The time frame is given in vs. 26. These two offsprings are very much related in their ministries. John is a preparer -- Jesus, is the Saviour. Therefore, the times of birth and their ministries go hand in hand within God the Father's plan.

Verses 26-28 give us the angelic announcement to Mary. The scene is given us in verses 26-28.

( a ) Gabriel is sent,26.

( b ) the location of the unique conception is Nazareth, in Galilee, vs. 26.

( c ) The "virgin" is one named "Mary", vs. 27.

( d ) she is "espoused" to Joseph, vs.27 -- this is equal to our engagement (only that they were doubtless more serious than some engagements today). There was a reason for the delay of marriage, and we'll see why as we go along.

( e ) there is the second mission which Gabrial makes. That other one is recorded in Daniel 8:16 and 9:21.

( f ) The greeting is "Hail", vs. 28.

( g ) the announcement of Gabriel is threefold, vs.28. They were meant to console, reveal God's desire, and show the purposed plan will result in her being blessed. She has found favor with God, vs. 30.

The God-given plan is unfolded: vs.31 gives three steps. The conception, birth and naming is progressive. The gender ("his") is that it will be a son, and "shall be called the Son of God", vs 35.

Mary questions the "how" of it, vs.34. She is enlightened, vs. 35. Elizabeth's experience is an illustration of what God CAN, vs. 36. Mary, wisely, yields herself to be used, vs. 38.