You know what it feels like the moment you connect with someone who has been through a similar situation that you have and they’re truly able to say, “I understand exactly how you feel!”? That is such a sweet moment! Today’s reading gives us a glimpse into a precious gift God gives Mary in a time that I’m sure was very confusing and disorienting for her. God gives her this sweet gift of a relationship with another woman.

Remember: Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 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.” - Luke 1:39-45

Notice, that Mary made haste to visit Elizabeth. She didn’t waste any time. I love how the movie “The Nativity Story” portrays this. She knew she needed to get away for a couple reasons, maybe more.

1. From the talk that would stir among the people of her small town when word got out that she, a virgin, betrothed to Joseph, was pregnant.

2. Simply to be supported and encouraged by Elizabeth, another woman expecting a miracle baby, her first child, and a littler further ahead in her pregnancy.

Although Mary believed God’s message to her through the angel Gabriel, she was still unsure as to how in the world this would happen. And then I’m sure the thoughts swirling in her head of ‘what people will think’ was more than she could bear. So, for her to enter Elizabeth’s home and immediately Elizabeth confirms the message that Gabriel gave her without any communication before hand was a sweet gift from God.

Elizabeth confirms the message of salvation Gabriel brought to not only Mary, but to us and the whole world. John, the one who would come in the spirit of Elijah, leaps in her womb at being in the presence of the Messiah. 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.

Mary believed God’s message and Elizabeth supported what Mary alone had carried in her heart. Her confession confirmed the reality Mary was living in.

Reflect

Notice that Mary moved toward Elizabeth. Our natural tendency when we’re walking through seasons of silence is to pull away from people. In your times of waiting, it’s so important to lean in to the people around you in your church community. Join a women’s group, join a men’s group, seek an older and seasoned person to walk through life with you and to pray for you. It could start simply as asking them out for coffee to hear their story. Who knows what God will do with that relationship!

Mary believed that it would happen and Elizabeth was a sweet gift from the Lord and part of his salvation plan through the prophecy of Malachi to encourage Mary’s heart and ours.

In the same way, God sends other believers to support and encourage our hearts during very confusing and disorienting times in our lives.

Respond

Seek out one person whose faith you admire and lean in to them.

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Jesus, you support my soul

Breathe Out:

Give me eyes to see the support around me.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

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