Unwrapping Christmas - Viewing the Nativity Through Luke's EyesSample

Day 13

Now Mary arose in those days…with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth…And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.   Luke 1:39-40, 56

As members of Christ’s body – the church – we all can learn a thing or two from Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship. 

Just after Gabriel’s announcement to Mary of the Coming King, she would carry in her womb, she goes as quickly as possible to her elderly cousin, Elizabeth. Mary’s visit invites us to consider that she must have felt extremely safe with Beth. There must have been something to that special relationship that only a more mature person can have with a younger one. And we must ask ourselves, no matter our age now, who are we pouring our lives into that may be 'coming up' behind us? Who are we sharing our faith life with? Some call it mentoring. However, the Scriptures call it discipleship. 

Think of Jesus and His crew, Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Naomi and Ruth. Okay, that last couple may have been in reverse of who was helping who, but you get the idea. Mary and Beth not only had a safe and comfortable relationship; they also experienced fellowship – the Christian word from the original Greek of the Bible, koinonia, which means sharing, unity, partnership, participation, communion, and a brotherhood. A relationship that is deeply edifying, incredibly satisfying, and eternal. 

The world has deep relationships, too, usually based upon common interests and pursuits. Yet, nothing compares to the Holy Spirit’s extraordinary work to unite believers who may have nothing in common outside of Christ. And when He is the author of our relationships, just like Mary and Beth, His gifts are dispensed, faith is increased, hearts are encouraged, and best of all – miracles happen.