Noah Webster, for whom the dictionary was named, was a lexicographer. He is responsible for the standardizing of American English at the beginning of the 19th century. As you might imagine, he was a stickler for the proper definition of words. One day his wife opened the kitchen door and discovered Noah kissing the maid. Mrs. Webster exclaimed, "Why Noah, I'm surprised!" He said, "No, my dear. We're surprised. You are amazed."

A surprise refers to the unexpected. Amazement refers to being made speechless, astounded at what you see. Actually both words are appropriate for the nativity story. The story read this morning is called the Annunciation, the announcement, the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she, above all women in the world, is to be the one to be the mother of the Messiah.…