Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:39-45 (NRSVUE)
This fourth Sunday of Advent is our new grandson’s baptism day. What beautiful timing with today’s scripture being about two baby boys in their mothers’ wombs, John and Jesus. John grew up with quite a story of his own to tell – baptizing Jesus isn’t something just anyone got to do. An even greater story is that of Jesus, the one whose birth we’ll soon celebrate now that the waiting is almost over. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our little Jace being welcomed into God’s family than reflecting on this Bible story and knowing the best is yet to come.
But, let’s not focus on Christmas just yet. The stories of Mary and Elizabeth are remarkable and truly embrace one of the themes of Advent – peace. Can you imagine how shocking it must have been to find out you’re pregnant as a virgin or as an 88-year-old woman? Yet, both women found peace once they realized the role they would play in these miraculous births. Their faith was that strong. This peace led to joy and excitement despite their situations being so far-fetched. Even John leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary arrived for a visit during their pregnancies. Finding peace through trust in God can bring joy into our lives, just as it did with these two strong women.
As Advent comes to an end, I pray for peace. For peace that results in a joy-filled life. For peace in knowing that our grandchildren’s stories will be part of God’s bigger story as they grow up. For peace in remembering we are loved by God so much that he sent us the gift of Jesus who would become our teacher and Savior. May peace be with us as we wait and may joy surround us as we celebrate.
Questions for Reflection:
- If Mary and Elizabeth found peace through faith given their unfathomable circumstances, can you?
- What is keeping you from living a life filled with joy?
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you for sending us Jesus and for the reminder that we’re part of your bigger story, just as Mary and Elizabeth and their sons were. And, thank you for the gift of baptism. Being part of your family is the best Christmas gift of all. May that be our source of peace and joy. Amen.
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