December 22 | Luke 1:39-45

---

DAILY READING

Luke 1:39-45

---

REFLECTION

Mary and Elizabeth

By Elaine Pierce

It is easy to overlook these six verses - not much happens, does it? Mary decides to visit her older cousin, Elizabeth, after her visit from the angel Gabriel. Elizabeth greets her with joy, immediately recognizing that Mary is pregnant with 'the mother of my Lord." Let's skip over this and read the majestic Song of Mary, the Magnificat, in verses 46-55.

But wait....maybe these verses, like all of scripture, have something to tell us. Two women - one very young, one at least middle aged, find themselves surprisingly pregnant. Mary isn't married - her friends and neighbors will judge her harshly for her 'sin.' And Elizabeth, as a married woman without a child, is looked down on (obviously it's her fault she is barren). These two women, one a peasant girl, the other married to a descendant of Aaron, were almost outcasts in their society. The role of women was to bear children - and to be married first. Today we celebrate these faithful women who answered God's call in humble obedience.

God uses unlikely people - we certainly saw that this fall as we studied the lives of Abraham.....Moses....Hannah....David....Jeremiah....They were not perfect, but God used them to do great things and to advance his kingdom work. They, just like us, were flawed and sinful. After all, there is no other kind of human, is there?

Mary stayed with Elizabeth three months. I imagine those months were times of great joy as they looked forward to the next phase of their lives. I imagine there was some fear and wonder, too, at what lay ahead. But, guided by the Holy Spirit, they knew that God was with them and their part was to follow him. As we light the 4th advent candle, let us look to the Lord and thank him for his goodness, his kindness, and his mercy. He is coming soon!

PRAYER

Lord, Mary and Elizabeth were obedient, and they followed you even when it seemed unlikely that you could fulfill your promises. Thank you for the examples of these women who loved and served you. I am so often filled with doubt - fill me with your Holy Spirit, and help me to obey you despite my fears. Thank you for sending your son into a world filled with division, strife and war. Thank you for loving me when I don't deserve it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

---