Luke 1:39-56

Mary Visits Elizabeth

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The Christmas Story

1:39 Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 "And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

44 "For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.

45 "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

The Magnificat

46 And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;

For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

49 "For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

50 "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION

TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.

51 "He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

52 "He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

53 "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;

And sent away the rich empty-handed.

54 "He has given help to Israel His servant,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever."

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

Mary & Elizabeth

Although she herself was pregnant with a son she had longed for, Elizabeth could have envied Mary, whose son would be even greater than her own.

 

But Elizabeth did not feel any jealousy toward Mary. Instead, she was filled with joy and excitement that the mother of her Lord would visit her.

 

Have you ever felt jealousy or envy toward people whom God has apparently singled out for special blessing? I believe we all have to some extent.

 

The good news is there is a cure for the envy we feel. We can rejoice and be happy for those people, realizing that God uses his people in ways best suited to his purpose.

 

And, remember God is using you and I right now for some purpose. If you are not sure about what you are doing for God or what He is asking of you, just say an earnest prayer and ask God what you can do. He will give you an assignment to help further His kingdom.

 

The assignment may or may not be as glamorous or exciting as you expected but everyone has a part in the kingdom of God. There is no small job.

 

Back in the 1960's a woman janitor was sweeping the floor of the NASA control room and, when asked how she felt working as a janitor of NASA she replied; "I'm not just working as a janitor and sweeping the floor. I'm helping to send a man to the moon!"

 

We can learn from this woman and do our job for God with a whole different meaning. After all, we are not just "sweeping the floor". We are building an empire far greater than any on earth - The Kingdom of God! Let's get to work!

Love in Christ

- Bob

This article about the Christmas story and the visit of Mary to Elizabeth may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any e-zine, newsletter, blog, or website. The author's name, bio, and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction of this report.

Bob

Comments are welcome. Please email me with any questions or comments you may have.