True, the event was unprecedented true also it has never been paralleled but that the virgin birth would be unique was as truly essential to the fulfilment of prophecy as that it should occur at all. Mary's promised Son was to be 'The Only Begotten' of the Father in the flesh so it had been both positively and abundantly predicted. “His message delivered, Gabriel departed, leaving the chosen Virgin of Nazareth to ponder over her wondrous experience. Mary was informed that she would conceive and in time bring forth a Son, of whom no mortal man would be the father-'And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.'”

Not in the spirit of doubt such as had prompted Zacharias to ask for a sign, but through an earnest desire for information and explanation, Mary, conscious of her unmarried status and sure of her virgin condition, asked: 'How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?' The answer to her natural and simple inquiry was the announcement of a miracle such as the world had never known-not a miracle in the sense of a happening contrary to nature's law, nevertheless a miracle through the operation of higher law, such as the human mind ordinarily fails to comprehend or regard as possible.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end.' Even yet she comprehended but in part the import of this momentous visitation. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

James e talmage books