In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’ And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home. Luke 1:39-56
Dear Elizabeth,
I am dashing off a quick letter while waiting for Joseph to return. I am staying with Ruth while he runs into Bethlehem to the census office. Yesterday he went in and they told him he needed to make an appointment. When he tried to make an appointment yesterday they said they were all filled up until the end of the week. He tried yesterday to find us a place to stay and will do so today as well, as Ruth's place is overrun with people and it's too far for him to come and go easily.
I have thought about you so much in these past day and about your little boy John. He must be growing like a weed. I am so happy for you and Zechariah! To wait so long and finally be honored by God with a son. My child is a complete surprise and gift. I don't know if I am ready to be a mother, and, we both said yes to God and God is always surprising and using the least likely for great things. In my darkest moments I think of your songs and your joy when we were together. I wouldn't be so strong now, if I hadn't spent time with you. You faith and strength became mine as well. Pray for us, Auntie, as the challenges are great!
love,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment