Mary: With Cousin Elizabeth

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months,

and then went back to her own home.

Luke 1:56

Three months.  A very long time for some, a fleetingly short time for others.  Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months - a haven against the social storm that was to come.  For 12 weeks, Mary could ponder, prepare and pray.  Perhaps her thoughts were something like this:

·         What will my parents say?

·         What will Joseph say?

·         Will anyone believe me?

·         How can I do this on my own?

·         How in the world will I raise the Messiah?

·         Should he go to school? 

·         Should I homeschool him?

·         What shall I feed him? 

·         What shall I teach him?

·         What shall I say when he asks about his father?

An overwhelming task is ahead of this young woman who has been handpicked by God to birth His Son.  And Elizabeth?  She who is now elderly will give birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ - an equally overwhelming task for an old woman. Together they probably have more questions than answers.  But they are both women of strong faith.  No doubt they use those few precious months to strengthen and encourage one another and to spend time in prayer. 

We hear nothing more of Elizabeth after the birth of her son.  After three months, Mary turned toward home, continuing her slow journey to that lonely stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

 

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed  St. Mark’s UMC Houston

UMC Hymnal #203