Tuesday, December 24-Love

Luke 1:39-55

Mary and Elizabeth, two women, unlikely to be celebrated in their culture, unlikely to carry a child – one because of her age and infertility and one because of her marital status and young age.  Both loved and chosen by God.

How many times in our world do we believe lies of not enough or “unlikely”:  not rich enough, wise enough, young enough, old enough, strong enough, educated enough, ____________.  God is not bound by “not enough,” in fact, it is where we see the glory of His work. 

Pregnant at the time we enter these verses – Mary greets Elizabeth and the baby in her womb “leaps for joy” as she was filled with the Holy Spirit. This not by accident as we read earlier in Luke that John was going to be filled with the Holy Spirit before he was born (I am still processing this truth!)  It dawned on me the power in this moment – Mary sings to God the Father, while Jesus, God-incarnate grows in her womb, and the Spirit fills Elizabeth.

The word baby here is brephos, the same word used later in Scripture to describe Jesus as a newborn and the children being brought to Jesus. 

Mary and Elizabeth humbly recognize the holy calling on their lives – Both fully aware of their circumstances and fully confident in their God.  “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”  #JTAG

Today, would you reflect on the glory of this Word? 

 God,

Thank you for sending the Savior of the world in the most-humble of ways and for reminding me that you are not bound by the world’s “not enoughs.” Make me confidently aware of your presence & humbly aware of my circumstances. Extend your mercy, LORD, from generation to generation.

In your Mighty Name, Amen!

CHASTITY FREDERICK