PODCAST
Blessed Affirmation
December 3rd, 2018
Luke 1:39-45
It was probably Mary’s mother who wisely decided, upon hearing Mary’s news, to hurriedly send her daughter to Elizabeth. Sending Mary to visit her relative would kill the proverbial, “two birds with one stone,” since Mary could assist Elizabeth who was nearly ready to give birth herself, and it would give Mary’s family time to adjust to both the joys and the challenges that her pregnancy presented.
We don’t know how Mary traveled or who accompanied her, but we can assume she had lots of time to consider what Gabriel had said about her coming son. Her thoughts most likely bounced between joy over the hope that the Messiah was coming, and worry over all the practical concerns that most certainly weighed on her mind.
At the end of her journey, Mary was graciously welcomed into the home of Elizabeth and Zechariah. By this point in our passage, Mary is undoubtedly tired, vulnerable, and fragile. God graces her with the response of Elizabeth, who blesses Mary and her unborn child. This affirming friendship was exactly what Mary needed.
Author: Vicki Copp
