Mary: Road Trip!!

 

At the 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 

The message of the angel is so astounding, and the thought of being pregnant through a miracle from God is so unfathomable, that Mary wanted someone to talk to.  Before he departed, the angel Gabriel 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 is 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 slander, gossip, and end of her betrothal that was sure to come.  

 

People Look East - UMC Hymnal #202