Expecting Jesus

Luke 1:44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Pregnant with a child she had stopped hoping for, due to her old age, Elizabeth receives a visit.

At the door is her younger relative, Mary. Mary is also pregnant.. pregnant with the Messiah.

Mary was already full of faith and was obedient to the Lord in His calling on her life.

But for some reason, Mary rushed to Elizabeth’s house. For some reason, a pregnant woman made a long trek to see her older relative.. and it probably wasn’t just for the heck of it.

Perhaps she was looking for some comfort. Maybe she needed some support because walking in the unknown can be scary, and lonely, no matter how strong your faith is.

As soon as Elizabeth sees Mary, the baby in her own womb leaps:

“In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:42-45

Just as those words rush out of Elizabeth’s mouth, I imagine instant reassurance and peace rushing over Mary.

Elizabeth’s Holy confidence, and her ability to speak truth into Mary might be exactly what she made that trip for.

These two ordinary women meet together and that atmosphere changes. They end up singing praises of worship to God. They celebrate His miracles. They hang on to each other in the unknown. (Expecting Jesus)

What if this Christmas (and always) we were like Elizabeth?

What if we could speak the truth that someone needs in order to hold on to their faith a little tighter?

What if our presence, and undivided attention, could create a safe space for someone who is walking through an unknown, lonely season?

God made us for relationship. He uses us to show others Him.

Relationships are so precious to Him.

Like Elizabeth, our very words could encourage someone to keep walking in the plan the Lord has set before them.

We never know what encounter God might use us in.

If we are willing, God will absolutely work through us.

And we just never know what difference it could make in the world.

~Written by: Kelli Bachara

Artist of photo: Cory Eisbacher

In response to the news that she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary burst into a song of praise. Recorded in Luke’s Gospel, her words reveal her devotion to God and her willingness to trust and obey Him. In this message on the Magnificat, Alistair Begg leads us through Mary’s praise of God’s intimate care for His people, His authority over creation, and His overflowing mercy. Mary’s humble example provides a pattern for our own personal and corporate worship.