Christmas story: What Mary had to say
There's the famous story about how she visits her relative Elizabeth, who in her advancing years, becomes pregnant with John (his father being Zechariah), who would be called the Baptist.
There are many incredible facets to what has become known as the Christmas story.
Outside of Jesus (of course), Mary is the most significant character, being a virgin, yet being pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
There’s the famous story about how she visits her relative Elizabeth, who in her advancing years, becomes pregnant with John (his father being Zechariah), who would be called the Baptist.
In the gospel according to Luke, we read about the visit:
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 favoured, 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!
Mary’s reply is one that is often overlooked in the whole story but worth reading carefully:
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
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