Matthew 1:16
And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
After the angel Gabriel had delivered to Mary the news of the conception and birth of Jesus, Mary decided to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was six months pregnant. Her pregnancy was miraculous as well since she and her husband were advanced in age and had hoped for a child for many years. Mary chose to visit the one who would best understand her. And immediately she greeted Elizabeth, upon arrival, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. When this happened, Elizabeth made the declaration that is the subject of our passage today. She calls Mary blessed, and the fruit of her womb blessed and declares that she is blessed for believing that what was spoken to her from the Lord would be fulfilled.
The difference between Mary and Zechariah is how they received the news from the angel. To both was given the announcement of the birth of a child against all odds. Both ask the angel questions, but their questions reveal the state of their hearts. Zechariah asks a question from doubt, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Mary, on the other hand, asks a question of inquiry, ” How will this be, since I am a virgin?” It is regarding Mary’s faith, therefore, that Elizabeth proclaims that blessed is the one who believes that what has been promised will be fulfilled. This Christmas, we need to go back to what God has promised and choose to believe even when it seems impossible. Let us be like Mary and not like Zechariah, whom the angel had to mute until the baby that was promised was born. We will be blessed if we believe in the promises of the Lord and their fulfilment.
Reflections
1. Are there promises that you have received from God that seem impossible? Choose this day to believe Him.
2. In light of todays devotion, how will you order your life so that it is a life of faith?
