As part of our Treasure the Quiet Moments blog series, we are taking time to treasure the Christmas story over the next few weeks. Today, we encounter Mary and Elizabeth.
You can start at the beginning of the story by reading my previous posts about:
Zacharias
Mary
Zacharias and Mary have been visited by an angel. Both received earthshaking news. So, let’s continue with the story in Luke 1:39-57
Mary and Elizabeth: Pondering the Christmas Story
After the Angel leaves, Mary hurries to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Something about this story tugs on my heart strings. How many times do we long to talk with someone who is wise and full of grace when we’ve had some unsettling news? Mary faces humiliation from those around her, yet she knows what God has foretold will come true.
When Mary arrives and voices her greeting, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. What a connection between these two babies even before they are born. I can picture Mary pouring out the story of her angel encounter. I see Elizabeth embracing her in a comforting hug.
Elizabeth’s words embrace Mary as well. She says: Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
These words are for us too.
Blessed are YOU who believe what God says in His Word.
These two women share something miraculous which will impact the world around them. Neither of them should be pregnant. Yet by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit, they are.
Mary and Elizabeth – An Eternal Connection
The sons that Mary and Elizabeth bear will change the world forever.
Mary’s words then flow from her heart, filled with the Holy Spirit. She speaks in truth about the child she carries. She lives in Elizabeth’s world for three months, knowing that she must go back and face her family—face Joseph—and endure whatever scathing words are slung at her.
But for now, it is just them—girl time that further bonds them together.
And all this time, Elizabeth’s husband Zacharias is silent.
Ponder Time:
Who do you go to when you need to talk?
What has the Lord said to you through His word? Has He given a promise to hold onto? Will you believe that He will accomplish it?
In just a short amount of time, Mary’s obedience blesses Elizabeth. Think of how her actions will impact others as she continues in quiet confidence of God’s plan.
Do you need an Elizabeth in your life?
Share in the comments about this story of support and friendship. What else do you glean?
Jeanne
Tweetables:
Mary and Elizabeth: Pondering the Christmas Story [Click to Tweet]
Do you need an Elizabeth in your life? [Click to Tweet]
Blessed is she who believed [Click to Tweet]
This version of the Nativity story is excellent. You can get either DVD or Blu-Ray versions:
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Jeanne, Again your insight brings such a “thought provoking,real life” understanding to a beautiful story. Revealing to us the impact these pregnancies had on the world. I love your “girl time”…..a need we all have, a friend to come along side. I will read this story with new eyes and empathy.
Thank you Mom
Thanks, Mom. This story is so full of detail and emotion. And I love that Mary’s first thought was to go to an older woman for counsel.
This is beautiful! Elizabeth spoke words of life whilst Zechariah didn’t. And I love the picture of her going to an older woman for wisdom. I read a wuote recently that said: “Be the woman you needed when you were younger.” Elizabeth was.And so is your Mom it seems 😉 very special
I love that, Alleta. What a tagline!! My mom is awesome. She has five children, 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren–and she is a mighty influence on all of us. She is definitely an Elizabeth
Thank you, Jeanne, for this thought provoking insight. I recently spent a day with a long-time friend from my days working at Word of Life camp. From 1979 to now we have shared the experiences of being military wives, raising children, becoming grandparents and now we are walking the road together of the dementia in our parents. This friendship, kept alive for many years with “snail mail” is a treasured gift made even better by our ability to visit in person now that we have both returned to New England.
What a wonderful gift friendship is, Jane. Thanks for sharing your story and I pray for you both as you navigate life side-by-side.