In the genealogy of Jesus that we find recorded in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 1:1-11) there are dozens of men mentioned. Also, in this ancestral lineage of our Lord, there are five women listed by name. I guess that being included in such a fashion the birth story of Jesus would qualify anyone for the status of “saint.” Let’s see:

Saint or sinner? Mary, the mother of Jesus.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:26-38

I guess I would call Mary a saint. She was a young virgin who was chosen by God. She heard what the Lord had planned for her (even though it might not have been her plan). And she consented to God’s plan: “Let it be with me according to your word.”

Prayer

Dear Lord, let me look to how You have prepared me to this point in my life, and let me serve You as You lead. Thank You for choosing me as a follower, through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.