Read Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Meditate
I am a pretty typical grandparent. When we go to visit my grandchildren, I love the moment when they first spot me and come running. When they get to me, they don’t stop, shake my hand and say, “Nice to see you.”
No, they run yelling “Gramps!” and jump into my arms with joy.
This is what Elizabeth experienced. This was no normal kick of a baby while in the womb when Mary, the mother of Jesus, entered her home. This was a joyful celebration of the promise—that God the Father loved his creation so much he would send his only son so that anyone who believed in him might not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
It is easy during the holiday season to lose that joy. It could be the lines and crowds at the store. It could be the anticipation of seeing that difficult family member. It could be remembering the loss of a loved one. It could simply by the wear of daily life.
But if you will listen, you will hear the greeting of the Holy Spirit. And, if you will enter the moment, the God-promises within you will begin to leap for joy.
Pray
“Father, let me hear your voice today and let the promises you have placed in me that are waiting to be birthed jump for joy in your greeting. Help me remember why I celebrate Christmas and the reason for the season. Amen.
Contemplate
- Greet people with joy today. Be truly glad to see them because they are a gift from God to you.
- Spend some time today reflecting on the God-promises you are carrying. Listen to the voice of God to bring joy to those promises.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
