Let us put ourselves in Elizabeth’s position here. When Mary arrived at her front door, she had been basking in the miracle of her shocking yet amazing pregnancy for about six months. If I were Elizabeth, I would be so excited and could not imagine anything better. But as the story continues it moves us to JOY! 

As soon as Mary realized the Lord had chosen her to carry His son, she rushed to her older and wiser relative to process all that was happening. We all have someone we go to for wisdom, love, and guidance, just like Mary did in seeking Elizabeth out.

When Mary entered the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Her baby boy in her womb leaped for JOY in the presence of the Lord. Though unborn, her baby boy and Elizabeth sensed they were in the presence of the Messiah! There is only one possible response to the presence of the LORD: JOY! 

Elizabeth shouted with JOY that Mary was in her presence with the Messiah in her womb. Though she was excited, Elizabeth was honored that her younger relative came to her for comfort, care, and compassion. Elizabeth was present with Mary and let her stay for as long as she needed. 

There was no rush to find strength and gain wisdom. I imagine that had many conversations in the living room about what was happening and how to handle the pressure, the isolation, and the judgmental glances of others who did not understand. She needed to feel confident and prepared for what was to come. She stayed with her relative for about three months and then returned home. We all have had to seek comfort, care, or compassion to find strength and understanding in our own lives. 

Like Mary, who do you go to amid stress, frustration, or lack of understanding? We all have those people in our lives. I challenge you to write a letter thanking that person. Then either send it to them in the mail or call them and read it to them.  

We are in the season of Advent. Advent is the season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus. Advent invites us to be in the moment and leap for JOY in the presence of Christ our King. The Advent season invites us to step away from the busyness of the holiday season to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ! A time to reflect on the joys the Lord has brought us! Like Elizabeth and Mary celebrating their pregnancies together, what can we celebrate with our friends and family that the Lord has brought us? We are to find JOY in the busyness of the Holiday season! How do you find JOY in the busyness?

Prayer 

LORD, I pray that we can all find JOY in the busyness of this Holiday Season. LORD, give us insight and understanding of what we are not hearing or seeing. LORD, give us care and compassion as we process the hard things in our lives. LORD, give us clarity of mind and heart. LORD reveal your love to us in all things during this Holiday season. LORD, give us JOY in the midst of it all. AMEN.