The angel proclaimed to Mary that she would give birth to a son, who would be the Messiah, the savior of the world. She later proclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” The religious leaders in Mary’s day had all the appearances of health and legitimacy before God. But beneath the service there was nothing. They were far from their God, and trusted in their own behavior rather than relying on God’s grace. This dichotomy was so severe that Jesus called them “whitewashed tombs.” (Matthew 23:27-28) Religion had replaced a true relationship with God. For someone like Mary the religion of her day was worthless in connecting her to God. So God comes directly to her and she finds joy in what God is doing in her life!