Devotional for Friday, December 6th
Today’s Bible Reading: Luke 1:39-56
This week, we've been introduced to the leading players of the Christmas drama. We've met Zechariah and Elizabeth, an aging couple who finds out that their lifelong prayer for a child would finally be answered. And yesterday, we saw Gabriel deliver news to Mary that she would give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. The story is getting exciting, but today's reading is a brief pause to catch our breath. It's a sweet moment of celebration between two women.
After Gabriel tells Mary the news, Mary packs up her things and goes to visit Elizabeth. Mary and Liz were related in some way, probably cousins. Mary has just been given life-altering news. There are a million things to do, but the first thing she does is to visit her cousin. She knew Elizabeth was in a similar situation and could offer her encouragement.
It's important to have people in our lives who encourage us. I'm sure there were a thousand voices shouting discouraging words at Mary. That doesn't mean everyone was against her. When unexpected news comes out, we humans tend to go into "panic mode." People with the best of intentions start offering advice without love to go along with it. In a sea of voices, Mary sought out Elizabeth's. And when Mary arrives at Elizabeth's home, we see why:
In a loud voice [Elizabeth] exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" (v. 42-45)
Elizabeth's joy is so contagious that it has already been passed down to her unborn son. John leaps in the womb, joining in on the celebration. And Mary is so encouraged that she bursts into a song of praise.
I love Elizabeth's humble attitude. She waited a lifetime to have a child. When she finally got pregnant after all those years, she could have made things all about her. But she didn't. She put the spotlight on Mary. She offered support and encouragement to her younger cousin when she needed it most.
Luke says that Mary visited Elizabeth when Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy. Mary stayed with her for about three months. This is a guess, but I think Mary stayed until John was born. I think Mary wanted to celebrate this joyful event with her cousin.
Reading this scene reminds me to pause and celebrate Jesus during this busy season. Even with so much to do, Mary & Liz took the time to save Christmas in their hearts.
Questions to Ponder:
Who is your "Elizabeth"—someone you go to when you need encouragement? Is there anyone who needs to hear your encouraging voice?
How can you take some time this season to celebrate Jesus the way Mary and Elizabeth did?
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