Lesson #2 My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord

Luke 1:5–25, 57–80   Luke 1:26–56   Matthew 1:18–25

I love the reaction of four people to the announcement of Christ's and John's birth.  Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and Zacharias.

An angel appeared to each person (note the in 2 Nephi 32, we are told that angels speak by the Holy Ghost - so while an angel appearing is marvelous, it's the Holy Ghost that sends and ratifies the message).

Zacharias was told about the promise of a new baby to their ages state while serving in the temple.  He questioned.  He was struck dumb from that point to the length of the pregnancy, plus a few days.

Elizabeth seemed to take it all in stride and was happy about it all (at least that we know about).

Mary was told and she also asked questions, but after explanation she said "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord"

Joseph was told and he worried about how he would deal with this socially/traditionally and personally.

All four responded in different ways and directions were given for each circumstance.  The reason I think this is so great is that because of all our personality differences and differences in life experiences, we respond different ways to direction from the Lord.  But if we persist and endure, eventually we will all understand and be converted.  This makes me respect others more and more.

Also, I think it is interesting the Gabriel (Noah) is the angel that appears. I've heard it's Noah for a few different reasons: 1) Noah ended and opened a new dispensation at the time of the flood, and as such helps usher in another dispensation 2) Not necessarily doctrinally sound, but it sets right - Noah witnesses the death of many of his friends and family members in the time of the flood, how wonderful for him to be able to proclaim the means for saving of all those souls.