The story of Christmas comes with the unusual appearance of an angel. He announced to Zachariah that he and Elizabeth will have a son who will prepare the way of the Lord. The angel returns his visit to Mary and then speaks to Joseph in a dream.
These simple folks had their view of God expanded beyond one's imagination. God was working out His plan of redemptions and the women just believed Him. The Holy Spirit was the reason Elizabeth could have a baby at her older age. The Holy Spirit was the reason Mary could have a child in her younger age as a virgin. These babies were special. It is special to have babies that are the product by God Himself. They are miracle children.
Elizabeth explained to Mary how it was that she recognized her as the mother of the Messiah and congratulated her on her faith in the angel’s words. The point of the blessing is faith in the word of the Lord. Immediately Elizabeth knows that Mary is blessed with the baby - the Messiah. She knows that Mary will be the mother of our Lord. John the Baptist, of Elizabeth prophetically is aware in the womb that the baby in the womb of Mary is the unborn Messiah.
Elizabeth expresses her faith when the baby within her leaped in the womb at the presence of the yet unborn Jesus. Elizabeth simply believed. There was no response of jealous or feminine competition as some do when they compare children or compare their situations.
Faith in God and the knowledge that these children are designer specials from the Creator not only allows these women to rejoice in God, but faith lets us all rejoice in God that each baby and each child and each person is uniquely designed by God. We marvel at His great work and the potential each one must glorify God in his or her own way. Faith focuses on the work of God.
These great verses show Mary also expressing her feelings and faith by the expression of her loud and excited song, the Magnificat. Her soul rejoices before Elizabeth. "My soul doth magnify the Lord." she begins. “He has done marvelous things to me.” What a testimony!
All of Israel had longed for the coming of the Messiah. They awaited the great promise of God that the Redeemer would come from the line of David and be born and sit on the throne forever and ever. Mary had a story to tell, and so did Elizabeth. Both were eager to bless and become a blessing. For three months they remained together. Eagerly, earnestly and expectantly they anticipated great things from God.
I liked their response. 'Let it be" Lord. “Do what you want to in my life.” Oh, that we would learn the faith of these ladies. Lord, do what you want in my life. I will face shame; I will face joy. I will face misunderstanding; I will face honor. I will face uncertainty.
O God, give us women like Mary who will sing not only with their lips in church, but with their lives in their home and will, by their example, impress upon the growing generation honor for God. Raise up among us, O God, dedicated girls who are not ashamed or hesitant to let God's wondrous praises speak to them and through them.
Application: Mary and Elizabeth believed God and honored their faith in Him by their conduct, words, and worship. Let us do the same.
Prayer: Lord, only in You can I be fully surrendered. Strengthen me through Your Holy Spirit to be able to say, “Let
