A Blessed Visitation

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 what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
[Lk 1:39-45]

Do you have an Elizabeth in your life? We all need them. That one person you can turn to with the things of God. In your excitement and praise. With your epiphanies and questions. When you need encouragement. Do you have that One?

Mary had Elizabeth. They shared a common experience in God. That made them suited to minister to each other.

One's true character is revealed in how we respond to God. They responded in faith and obedience and had the godly support to carry out His assignment.

Elizabeth recognized the blessing of Mary's visitation. Recognizing the Lord in Mary, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit herself. Oh, that the Holy Spirit in others would leap for joy upon seeing us. Would recognize Christ in us.

Our Gracious Father; May we be so favored as to have the Holy Spirit in others leap for joy at the recognition of Christ in us. Amen.


Painting:
The Visitation
By James J. Tissot
1836-1902