King of Kings: An Advent Plan by New Life ChurchEgzanp

Today we look at the stories of Elizabeth and Mary, two rather ordinary and quite unlikely women who are chosen to usher in the promised words of generations before. Mary bringing Jesus into the world had been prophesied since Adam and Eve, and Elizabeth’s son, John, was the messenger Isaiah foretold would prepare the way for the Savior. “For the word of God will never fail,” the angel told Mary in Luke 1:37, and how true this is in both of these women’s lives!

The Word of God doesn’t fail us. The Word of God is not just text, but a Person—and that Person is Jesus. “In the beginning the Word already existed, and the Word was with God.” (John 1:1) Hold onto the promises of the Lord and believe that those words are embodied by the coming of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. Maybe, like Elizabeth, it seems your time has passed; or, like Mary, you feel so unlikely and unworthy. But remember that there is a blessing we get to experience when, like these two women, we believe that the Lord will do what He has said He would. Have faith and take part in how He is working in the world around you!

Application: Just like the encouragement Elizabeth and Mary gained from talking with each other, we can gain perspective when we share our needs with others. Take some time to write down things about your purpose in life that are difficult for you to believe. Ask God to give you faith for those things and share them with trustworthy people in your life so they can be praying for you!