advent 2011: Saturday of Hope

The final day of the week of Hope, and we conclude Gabriel's annunciation to Mary. I've been using the Good News Version for all these readings (it's very accessible language for children) but in this passage I've replaced the word "servant" with the word "doula".

34 Mary said to the angel,
     I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?

35 The angel answered,
     The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God's power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy child will be called the Son of God. 36 Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have children, but she herslef is now six months pregnant, even though she is very old. 37 For there is nothing that God cannot do.

38 I am the Lord's doula, said Mary;
     may it happen to me as you have said. And the angel left her.

Waiting in hope...for a Son.