I am bothered by this emphasis, because it ignores that Mary’s role was very much the same as that of Noah, Abraham, and Moses. I think Luke makes this point. The angels brings the promise to Zachariah and he demands a sign. The Aengel appears directly to Mary and she agrees without hesitation. Mary was literally the first Christian. “Let it be unto my according to thy word.” Would that we all could answer thus.
LUKE 1:
[18] And Zechari'ah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."
[19] And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.
[20] And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."
[34] And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"
What is the difference?
LUKE 1:
[18] And Zechari'ah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."
[19] And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.
[20] And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."
[34] And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"
What is the difference?