Before the birth of our Lord Jesus, Mary went into the country to see her cousin Elisabeth. She had just been given instructions about the birth of Jesus, by the angel Gabriel and was excited to tell her the news. You can just imagine the amazement she felt, as she came to find out that she would be the mother of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. I can just imagine the skip in her step as she walked along the hillside to Elisabeth’s house. Mary then entered Elisabeth’s home, and greeted her with much love and affection. It was then that Elisabeth noticed something different about her. While listening to Mary, Elizabeth’s baby leaped and she was overcome with the Spirit. Being 1“filled with the Holy Ghost”, she said to Mary, 1“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” There was something different about her, for the Spirit testified that she was caring a baby also and He is Lord of all. How amazing it was to be in the company of Mary, for her baby is divine. Elisabeth then said, 1“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” The Holy Spirit surely let this be known to Elisabeth. Mary did believe and embraced her role in the birth of Jesus.
You can just imagine how Mary was feeling inside after hearing what Elisabeth had just said. Her heart was full when Mary said, 1“My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” To think that she could be chosen to bear the coming of our Lord and Savior, amazed her in every way. That God could choose a handmaiden, such as her, was enough to rejoice. Blessed is Mary to be the mother of the Son of God. She declared, 1“he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.” She was blessed and thanked the Lord for showing unto her such marvelous things. Mary then spoke about the mercy of her Son. 1“His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” Those that repent, understand the judgements of the Lord. They don’t put things off but have the fear of God inside of them, which leads to true repentance. Continuing to trust in God leads to a commitment to follow in His will above their own. 1“He hath filled the hungry with good things” for they are those that welcome His presence. The proud have no room in their hearts. The mighty are put down because they say they are already well off. Mary surely foretold of her Son, Jesus. Take heed to what she said, for our time is now to come to Jesus and partake of His forgiveness and mercy.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I love to think of Your coming to the world. You surely came in the most humble of circumstances. Mary was a handmaiden but You still chose her. You didn’t look at the stature of the person but at her heart. Thank You for looking at her, in this way. I know that if You were to look at us in any other way, I would never be worthy as well. She bore You, oh Lord, and listened to her calling to be Your mother. This is the greatest calling of all and she embraced it. I pray that we will always remember this special time in scripture. This is a great example of how we all ought to embrace You. I pray that when there is a calling in my life to serve You, in any way possible, that I listen. That I stop what I am doing and do what You would have for me. I may not be like Mary, but still I hope to serve You above all else. You are the Lord of all and my heart rejoices just to know You. I embrace this time to sing praises to Your Holy Name. You are my Savior and I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Luke 1:39-55 (KJV)
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
