Advent - God Knows What He's AboutSample

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Have you ever seen a couple tell their parents that they are about to become grandparents? There are endless videos online that share the sweetness of the moment that families share when they realize that this thing that they have hoped and prayed for is actually happening! What joy! 

Mary has just heard the most incredible news she had heard up to this point in her young life:  she will bear the Messiah. Every translation I read of Luke 1:39 tells of Mary’s rush to go visit Elizabeth after learning this news from Gabriel. Mary likely also knew of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and wanted to rejoice with her and share this special time with her. It amazes me that Elizabeth only had to hear Mary’s greeting and the Holy Spirit filled her and she praised God for the child that Mary was carrying. 

If there had been a video of this moment between these two women, I can just picture the joy, laughter, and probably a few tears as they shared this joyous news. What a confirmation for both women that God was doing something amazing- and they got to be a part of it! The long awaited Messiah was coming!

Have you ever prayed for something for a long time and wondered if God was going to answer? I think all of us have in some way or another. Throughout scripture we see the example of God’s people waiting on God. Some of them waited years and never saw God’s answer while others received an answer fairly quickly. When I read Luke 1:45, I was struck by this passage,  “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (NIV) Mary trusted God to do what He said He would do- even when it seemed impossible. 

This Christmas, I am going to be praying for faith like that. I want to not give up praying for the salvation of a friend or healing of a family member or any number of things that I’ve prayed for and not seen God’s answer yet. Like Elizabeth and Mary, I want to be someone who trusts the Lord even when I cannot comprehend how it will happen. They praised the Lord in the middle of trusting Him- what an incredible example to follow! 

Mary Catherine Carnes
Residence Director, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor