Mary and Elizabeth

December 15, 2022

We don’t have to understand how peace works to offer and receive it. 

There is something about the peace that Jesus gives that is beyond our understanding. How it works, how it is passed between us, how it stays in our hearts even in extremely unsettling times or situations.

We can still receive what God offers, despite our limited understanding.

Neither Elizabeth nor Mary understood how their sons would be conceived. While Elizabeth was married, she was well past her childbearing years, “advanced in years” the scripture says.

When she did get pregnant, Elizabeth waited five months to reveal God’s amazing gift to her. Maybe she was concerned that others would not believe her? Maybe sharing this tender, vulnerable place in her heart was too scary at first?

Mary’s conception was even more miraculous. She hid herself too, going away to visit Elizabeth for the first three months. Perhaps to give her and Joseph’s families time to plan and deal with the situation?

Both women had unexpected, disruptive pregnancies, with potential for misunderstanding, rejection, and ridicule. Yet both women responded well, speaking of God’s goodness and grace, seeing His gifts to them in all the upending of their lives.

“And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.”

Luke 1:43-49 ESV

“granted to me”

“my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”

“all generations will call me blessed”

Words of gratitude and joy. 

Consider:

Has God upended your life?

Remember:

When you see Mary in a nativity scene, recall her and Elizabeth, and how they focused on God’s goodness to them. 

Share:

What has God granted to you?

In what are you rejoicing?

What do you imagine future generations will say about you, because of Jesus?