Luke 1: 39-56

“What child is this?”

At the conclusion of the miraculous meeting between Mary and the angel Gabriel, Mary was told of her relative Elizabeth who had been barren, being in her 6^th month. This is where we are again reminded; “For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary promptly packed up and went to her. Elizabeth and Mary had a great deal in common, even though Mary was a young teenager and Elizabeth by earthly standards was beyond childbearing years. In God’s time both women gave birth to infants who became infamous in their time and ours.

 Upon Mary’s greeting Elizabeth, scripture says the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. I can’t begin to imagine the aura within that room. The Holy Spirit, Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and Jesus all in one sacred place with God the Father gazing upon the scene. One would think Mary would have burst into Elizabeth’s presence and breathlessly re-enacted the visit she had from the heavenly angel. How it took her breath away and scared her out of her wits before an incredible calm came over her and she realized what was really happening. Then we imagine her telling Elizabeth about all of her thoughts and emotions surrounding this event and what everyone will think and do because of her untimely pregnancy. Instead she glorifies the Lord and speaks of how her spirit rejoices in God the Savior coming to earth to save us. She also thanked God for recognizing her humbleness and spoke of His great mercy. No wonder God chose her.

Mary remained with Elizabeth for about three months. They must have shared in some incredible conversation. It was the beginning of something beautiful yet ugly, wonderful but still dreadful in some regards, considering everything these families went through. Kind of what our lives are like, filled with hills and valleys, high points of glorious happiness and contentment, and at times the lowest of lows. These mothers had no way of knowing the immeasurable impact their sons would have on the world, or the difficulty of their journeys. Yet, in the end, it was all for good and glory of the Lord. Praise God for the strength, love, and devotion of the women of God, then and now.

Read Luke 1: 39-56 here

Listen to Luke 1: 39-56 here