"Well, Gabriel," asked God, "what did you think of Mary?"
Gabriel answered, "What a wonderful young lady. She was a bit confused about exactly how she would become pregnant, but willingly accepted her role. She has gone to visit Elizabeth."
Looking down from heaven, God told Gabriel, "Yes, she arrived safely. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped."
Gabriel chuckled, "Elizabeth thought she would never have children. She receives a surprise visit from Mary and the baby leaps with joy. To top that off, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth has had an exciting day. What did she say to Mary?"
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" God replied. "Elizabeth called Mary 'blessed.' The baby Elizabeth delivers will be very special in the life of Jesus.
"So what is next?" Gabriel wondered.
"Mary is going to stay with Elizabeth a few months and then go home. Joseph has been informed that Mary is with child and, being a righteous man, does not want to expose her to public disgrace. He thinks he will quietly divorce her. I have a better idea." God replied.
"Oh, listen, Mary is singing."
TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:46 - 55
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.
THINK ABOUT ELIZABETH
What was Elizabeth's role in the Christmas story? She opened her home to an unwed mother-to-be. She was the first to call Mary and her child blessed. Did she hear the song Mary sang? Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist.
According to Luke 1:7, Elizabeth was well along in years. That means her body was past its prime for giving birth. And think about being well along in years and then having to potty train a child. Raise a teenager. Then a young man. And all the while making sure he never took wine or other fermented drink. Talk about being odd man out at every wedding and party. Do you think being a mother at her age made Elizabeth's job harder?
In a Christmas play, the role of Elizabeth would be that of a supporting actress. Do you think she ever felt like she was playing second fiddle? A bit below Mary? Her son not as great as Jesus? Do you think she was ever jealous?
Think about Elizabeth. God did not look at Elizabeth and consider her too old. God gave Elizabeth a very important supporting role in the birth of His Son. What role has God given you?
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