Mary: Road Trip

At that time, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in

the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's

home and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary's

greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was

filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed:

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child

you will bear!  Blessed is she who has believed that what

the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Luke 1:39-42, 45 

If there's is one thing that we can understand clearly, it is that Mary needed someone to confide in.  The message of the angel is so astounding, the thought of being pregnant through a miracle from God so unfathomable, that Mary wanted someone to seek counsel from.  Before he departed, the angel had declared that her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, was six-months into her own pregnancy.  Mary knew that Elizabeth would understand her fears, her concerns, and her predicament with Joseph. 

When Mary arrived at Elizabeth's home and called out her greeting, her cousin's baby made a dramatic movement in the womb - recognizing instantly the mother of the Messiah.  Elizabeth praised Mary, not only for her pregnancy, but also for her willingness to believe the angel's words and surrender her life to the will of her Creator.  Mary's mature faith was amazing in one so young, and Elizabeth encouraged her with an acknowledgement of the truth of Gabriel's words.  In Elizabeth's home, Mary found a welcome refuge from the gossip, slander, and end of her betrothal that surely must come.  

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Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the world began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He

Of the things that are, that have been,

And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 184