Growing up, I treasured the close bond with my cousin; our families participated in a variety of activities together, including camping, swimming, lake trips, and hours of imaginative play. Our friendship endured through life's milestones, including the joys of parenthood. Similarly, Elizabeth and Mary shared a profound connection that transcended family ties. As Luke 1:26-56 unfolds, Mary, upon learning of Elizabeth and her own miraculous pregnancies, eagerly rushed to visit Elizabeth, who was already six months pregnant. Despite the news not being public, Elizabeth knew of Mary's condition, showcasing their unique bond grounded in shared miracles and a deep love for God.
During Mary's three-month stay with Elizabeth, I can't help but wonder about the conversations that unfolded. Did Elizabeth offer counsel through morning sickness? As Mary and Elizabeth navigated the intricacies of their extraordinary pregnancies, they forged a bond that went beyond familial connection.
Their shared journey took a drastic turn as both Mary's son, Jesus, and Elizabeth's son, John, faced tragic deaths (Elizabeth had already passed away). As I read through these verses and grapple with the mysteries of life and death, the hope of Jesus emerges.
1 Peter 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In his great mercy he has given us
new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ
from the dead,
and into an inheritance
that can never perish,
spoil or fade.
This inheritance is kept in heaven for you....
These verses emphasize the transformative power of God's mercy (undeserved favor), offering the assurance of a priceless inheritance beyond the constraints of change and decay, kept in heaven for those who believe.
Take a moment to consider the invitation to accept the hope of Jesus, who conquered death, offering forgiveness and a path to eternal life.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from
all unrighteousness.
As 1 John 1:9 encourages, confessing our sins opens the way to God's faithful forgiveness and purification from unrighteousness. Do you carry the hope of being with Jesus for eternity? If not, consider making today the day you accept the gift of Jesus. He sacrificed His life for your sins, paying the price for the wrongs you have done. This gift is freely offered to you, though it cost Him His life.
The intertwined stories of Mary and Elizabeth weave a tapestry of miracles, friendship, and enduring hope in the face of life's uncertainties. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we too can access that hope." Christmas Devotional Week One