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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Mary is Encouraged

December 13 
                                                                                
Scripture Reading
Read Luke 1:39-45 and reflect on the passage.

An Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she was to be the mother of God-Incarnate. Wow, that's a lot for such a young woman to take in. She did what many young girls might do when confronted with startling news; she went to visit a favorite aunt. She needed some time to process and to prepare her heart for the future.

Mary needed the wisdom of an older woman, and probably just wanted to go off by herself to think and see if she could understand all this. It turned out, the visit became just what Mary needed. Her Aunt Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting and the baby in Elizabeth's womb moved; scripture says the baby leaped. At that moment, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!"

Elizabeth turned out to be the perfect woman for Mary to reach out to. We don't know all the conversations they shared, but probably lots of advice was given and prayers raised up. Elizabeth affirmed Mary and her blessed condition. No doubt, Mary and Elizabeth probably retold this story many time over the years.

Questions

1. Do you think the wisdom of an older woman, who was also expecting, was helpful to Mary?

2. Do you ever seek the wise counsel of others when faced with difficult situations? Have you considered finding a mentor, someone older and wiser?

Prayer

Father, thank you for telling us the amazing story behind the birth of Your Son. Give us a true sense of joy this season. Amen

                                                                                                                                                            Judy Webb

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