December 8 – Day 9

Luke 1:39-56

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord. 

And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

Just imagine Mary’s mindset and life after the angel told her she would become pregnant and give birth to the Son of God.  The Scriptures don’t give us those details.  But I think there are some glimpses of what is happening.  Verse 39 tells us she went to see her cousin in haste, with quickness.  We aren’t sure why, but while she is believing in the angel, her arrival verifies his prophecy and the impending births, yes births.  One for Elizabeth (John the Baptist) and Mary (Jesus).  Read word by word slowly verse 41  What do you learn from all that took place in that moment?

Remember, all Scriptures is God-breathed, inspired (2 Timothy 3:16) and God clearly says the babe or infant leapt in the womb of Elizabeth when Mary entered with a child in her womb.  And look at the loud exclamation of Elizabeth.  How comforting this must have been for Mary and a great confirmation about the prophecy given to her.  At some point in this timeline, she has had to tell Joseph and he is making plans to end their betrothal (which required a divorce – and the reason would have been sexual unfaithfulness).  Who knows who else was aware and their reactions, but Joseph’s alone was more than unsettling.  Yet, God provides in the words of Elizabeth comfort to this young lady – read verses 41-45 one more time, slowly thinking about the need Mary had.  What is your need this Christmas?  What comfort or counsel do you need from the Lord? 

Then look at the praise from the lips of this young lady.  She lifts high the Lord, recalling His strength and faithfulness.  And she knows this prophecy told to her is a fulfillment of the prophecy of God to His people long ago.  God is a promise keeping God, never failing.  Do you need to stop and rest in this today – the promise keeping God cares for all His people, including you!