In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 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.”
Comment: Mary was probably a teenager, Elizabeth was earlier described as ‘barren and advanced in years’. It is not surprising that Mary sought an older, pregnant relative with whom to discuss her unexpected and unusual pregnancy! I don’t know what the first thought that crossed Elizabeth’s mind was but she felt the joyous foot of her foetus tapping out energetically when listening through the uterine wall to Mary’s news! Elizabeth voiced her excitement as well! It would be a bit surprising if the young Mary could write out the words of the following psalm/song, But not surprising at all if the devoted wife of a Levitcal Priest could!
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Comment: These are not the words of a modern Australian teenager! But they are even surprising in their depth of understanding for a young Jewish woman of those days. Not that I doubt at all that they were Mary’s words, but I am sure that God gave her strength and insight to understand the very meaningful concepts which the words contain. I hope that I get the chance to sing it this Christmas in our church!
And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. And then possibly, but not certainly, already showing her pregnant state, returned to face her betrothed, marriage, and the comments of gossiping neighbours until the Roman order came for a trip to Bethlehem to vote in a census, and a delivery that would occur in an unusual situation!
Psalm 127: 3 – Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. – What a very special reward for Mary and no doubt a great joy for Joseph as Jesus legal father!
Prayer: May my heart continue to daily sing at the news of Your coming, Lord Jesus!
As I read it! 