“But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.” Luke 1: 7
Most of us do not immediately think of Elizabeth and Zechariah as Christmas characters. Yet, they are vital in their supporting roles to our main characters.
Beyond this righteous couple becoming the parents of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Christ, Elizabeth plays the role of encourager to Mary.
Maybe Mary’s parents weren’t sure what to think. Maybe Joseph was treating her differently. Maybe Mary was sick from this pregnancy and tired of the wondering stares, the darting glances, the whispers behind hands.
Maybe Elizabeth was her favorite aunt. Maybe Mary assumed Elizabeth would understand her situation, as Elizabeth herself was pregnant with a miracle child. Not through immaculate conception, but a child for an older woman who was said to be barren. Just maybe, Aunt Elizabeth would understand.
Whatever prompted her to visit her aunt, we know Scripture says she hurried. She must have felt compelled to propel herself toward Aunt Elizabeth.
In Luke 1: 39-45, we read:
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 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!”
Elizabeth’s greeting must have been such a breath of fresh air! First, she was obviously glad to see her! Second, this pregnancy was both known and celebrated! Elizabeth had no trouble believing Mary was carrying her Savior. Elizabeth knew first-hand how God could work. And she knew God worked behind the scenes, beyond human comprehension.
How appropriate that God would send young Mary to this older, wiser woman. This wonderful relative who would completely understand and encourage the mother of Jesus.
God provided for Mary’s emotional needs. He provided for her spiritual needs. He provided her with encouragement, just when she needed it most.
That’s the why of Christmas. God cares. He wants to provide for each of us: provide a Savior to reunite us with God Himself. Jesus was born so that we might believe in Him, repent, and receive that gift of reunification with God. Just as God cared about Mary’s needs, both her daily needs and her eternal needs, He cares about your needs and mine.
Will you join me in prayer for thanking Him for that?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for caring so much for me that You sent Jesus so that I might be reunited with You. Thank You for demonstrating how You care about what happens in daily life as well as for all eternity. Above all, thank You for Jesus and Your great love. Thank You for Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.