Notes
In Highly Favored: Part 2, the story deepens with the anguish and hope of Joachim and Anne, a faithful couple longing for a child. Joachim’s humiliation at the Temple, where a priest rejects his offering due to his childlessness, drives him to his knees in desperate prayer outside the city. Anne, equally heartbroken, pours out her grief and faith at home. Their poignant longing is captured in the song “When the Storm Rages,” a moving testament to their unwavering trust in God despite years of disappointment.
As Joachim prays in solitude, an angel appears, delivering the divine promise that Anne will bear a daughter who will be blessed above all women. The angel’s message fills Joachim with renewed hope, prompting his joyful return to Anne. Meanwhile, Anne receives her own angelic visitation in a dream, where she is assured that her prayers have been heard and that her child will bring light and grace to the world. The dual angelic encounters emphasize God’s intention to work through this humble family, paving the way for His redemptive plan.
The narrative concludes with the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promise: the birth of their daughter, Mary. As the midwife announces the arrival of the baby, Joachim praises Jehovah, and Anne’s heart swells with gratitude. The song “The Blessed One” celebrates Mary’s birth, portraying her as a beacon of hope and grace destined for a divine purpose. This chapter sets the stage for Mary’s extraordinary journey, highlighting the faith and devotion that lay the foundation for her pivotal role in God’s plan of salvation.
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