The scarlet ribbon of redemption was carried by ordinary men and women throughout the corridors of history until, at last, it came to rest in a manger in Bethlehem.
Rest and sleep are synonymous and denote a cessation of activity as well as a time of rejuvenation, refreshing and replenishing that happens not just with man, but with all of creation.
Our own prayer giftings are part of the bigger picture of individual intercessors, members of a grand choir with millions of voices and millions of prayers, wonderfully harmonizing into the heavens and into the heart of God.
God is committed to marriage, and He is committed to the words of Matthew 19:6, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man put asunder."
The angel's explanation of what would happen to Mary physically parallels what happens to you and me spiritually when we receive Jesus Christ by faith.