December 13

Luke 1: 39-43

39 Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zacharias 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 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

Immediately after the angel told Mary she was with child, and that Elizabeth was also pregnant, Mary hurried to Elizabeth's house. Do you think that perhaps she was seeing if indeed that HAD BEEN an angel rather than a hallucination?

Wasn't it kind of God to tell Mary about the unlikely pregnancy of her aged relative Elizabeth? With this news, God built in a proof to Mary: if Elizabeth was pregnant, then the angel HAD been real.

God understands our humanity. He's willing to work with us.

God went even further to reassure His bondservant, Mary. Not only did Mary find Elizabeth pregnant, but Elizabeth immediately knew of Mary's pregnancy. There was not yet a physical sign of pregnancy, but the Holy Spirit revealed the truth to Elizabeth, and she shouted out in joy.

Can you imagine the relief that must have flooded dear Mary? It was real. And best yet, someone understood, and would be on her side in the upcoming months as the pregnancy was revealed.

God gave Mary, His favored one, a role to play in history. And He gave her human support to help her fulfil it.

What does He have for YOU to do this Christmas? Whatever it is, He'll give you the strength, the courage, and the support for you to succeed. Lean in.