Maybe the cause is the chill in the air, or the leaf that my boot so happily crunched today, whatever the reason, my heart has been dwelling on the coming of Christ. I've been thinking about it a lot, and today I was thinking about Mary. This isn't a Christmas thing, this is a bible thing. Why we feel it has to wait for December befuddles me.
Feel the moment with me. . .
Mary is overwhelmed, confused and tired. She has been startled by an Angel and trembles in fear. The only logical thing she can fathom doing is going away to her Cousin's home in Hebron (*possibly). After all, she is birthing the Messiah, what more significant place than the land given to Abraham, the seat of Isaac, Jacob, and the first crown of David. Still, but weeks into pregnancy she travels many miles to reach Elisabeth. Having many days to reflect, she begins to fear that this is all her imagination. Is she going crazy? Is this really the Savior in her womb?. . .Exhausted, she arrives.
Mary enters the home dust covered, weary. . .and afraid. Elizabeth (*who is but six weeks pregnant) feels a jolt in her womb. She has felt stirrings before, but never a leap such as this. (*the Greek word is the same as the word used to describe Jacob and Esau struggling in Rebecca's womb, and the mountains skipping). Filled with the Holy Spirit, she rejoices with her cousin. (She could have chosen to be jealous with the honor given Mary, the younger, but she chooses joy) Her response paves the way for her son who will defer and honor Christ. She is a servant even then.
Mary is relieved, she did not need to tell Elizabeth, God told her. . another affirmation of the truth to her weary mind and body. Suddenly she remembers what is growing silently inside her, she forgets all sore and aching muscles, and filled with the Spirit, she bursts forth in song:
And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, (Luke 1:46)
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47)
"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. (Luke 1:48)
"For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. (Luke 1:49)
"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. (Luke 1:50)
"He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. (Luke 1:51)
"He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. (Luke 1:52)
"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. (Luke 1:53)
"He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, (Luke 1:54)
As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever." (Luke 1:55)
Suddenly she realizes, her babe will offer hope to all generations to come (Luke 1:50-55). . .a Savior worthy of praise.
Rejoice.
-be
