Six months later, Gabriel is at it again.  This time, God sends him to Mary…..

Luke 1:28 

“The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

What a contrast to Gabriel’s ‘matter of fact’ message to Zechariah, the aging priest.  Here, the angel tenderly greets Mary and then he affirms her and builds her up. Note that clearly looks to be frightened…. 

Luke 1:30

“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

‭‭Although Gabriel is an angel and not a man, the way he approaches this young woman is worth noting. He is aware of her feelings and is careful to once again build her up and affirm her. Daniel and Zechariah were both terrified when Gabriel appeared and although the angel was gracious to these two men, he was not tender and intentionally affirming like he was with Mary.

The angel models for me that ‘how I communicate’ is more important than the content of my speech. Men and women are different despite any current cultural confusion. The way that I communicate with women should also be different. 

Action Point: Be aware today and this Christmas season of how I speak to my daughters and the women in my life.