In the beginning of Church History: The Announcement Of The Birth Of Christ Came To The Virgin Mary, Luke 1:26–38.
The scene now changes to a distant part of the country. Nazareth was in Galilee, fifty or sixty miles from Jerusalem. A city of Galilee - As Joseph and Mary were both of the family of David, the patrimonial estate of which lay in Bethlehem, it seems as if the family residence should have been in that city, and not in Nazareth; for we find that, even after the return from the captivity, the several families went to reside in those cities to which they originally belonged. But it is probable that the holy family removed to Galilee for fear of exciting the jealousy of Herod, who had usurped that throne to which they had an indisputable right. Thus, by keeping out of the way, they avoided the effects of his jealousy.1 In the sixth month of her pregnancy The Angel Gabriel was sent with a message for Mary. Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women. Mary had been selected to be the mother of the long-expected Messiah--the mother of the Redeemer of mankind. Long had he been predicted; long had the eyes of the nation been turned to him and long had his coming been an object of intense desire. To be reckoned among his ancestors was accounted sufficient honor for even Abraham and David. But now the happy individual was designated who was to be his mother; and on Mary, a poor virgin of Nazareth, was to come this honor, which would have rendered infinitely illustrious any of the daughters of Adam--the honor of giving birth to the world's Redeemer and the Son of God.2 All this was announced, also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary.
As she had only promised to marry Joseph, and not as yet married, she knew that this conception could not have yet taken place; and she modestly inquires by what means the promise of the angel is to be fulfilled in order to regulate her conduct accordingly. The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee. The body of Jesus would be created by the direct power of God. It was not by ordinary generation; but, as the Messiah came to redeem sinners--to make atonement for others, and not for himself--it was necessary that his human nature should be pure, and free from the corruption of the fall. God therefore prepared him a body by direct creation that should be pure and holy. See Hebrews 10:5.2
And, behold, your cousin Elizabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. The case of Elisabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elisabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promised. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. It appears that at the instant of this act of faith, and purposed obedience, the conception of the immaculate humanity of Jesus took place; and it was Done unto her according to his word.1
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