The Christmas Story – Mary Visits Elizabeth

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39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!  43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Pregnant by the Holy Spirit…

Something tells me, had she shared the news with Joseph, her parents and community in Nazareth, celebration would have been the last thing on their minds.

How sweet of God to provide a friend, a Titus woman,  who would affirm Mary, encourage her and celebrate with her.

Elizabeth’s confirmation (without Mary sharing a word) probably made her want to dance a jig!  Finally, someone with whom Mary could connect.  Someone who understood her; who spoke her language.  Someone who believed her.  Someone who would be joyful at her news.

Nothing is more appropriate than getting excited when God does something in our lives.  If God has done something in your life over the past year -something that could have only been Him – find a way to celebrate!

Just last week, one of my friends had a luncheon to celebrate God’s merciful intervention to her cancer diagnosis.  (In April, she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.)  Today, she’s cancer free!

Following a delicious lunch around her dining room table, she intentionally directed the conversation to the subject of Jesus.  My friend then proceeded to shared all He had done on her behalf during the past year and the many answers to specific prayer.  She then opened the sharing to anyone else who wanted to share.  Such beautiful sharing.

If God has done something in your life over the past year, celebrate Him!  Be bold and tell others of His goodness.  Let them see and hear the reality of Jesus in your life. 

In this lost, broken and deprave world, the light of His glory brings unbridled encouragement to the weary heart.

Author: Tara