Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?

Luke 1:43

For Meditation

Surprised, shocked, delighted.

That’s what she was – a woman “well along in age,” now with child. Potential talk of town, down Gossip Lane. Eyes will turn when she walks by. “Who does she think she is deceiving?” “Would somebody give her some medication for fibroids?” Enough derision for an old, surprised woman of faith with a dumb husband of a priest by her side.

There is a place for such people. Seclusion! That’s the name. Check-in is free. You get yourself a quiet space to curl yourself into solitude, with caving walls and checkered thoughts – unending, yet welcoming like an oasis. That is Elizabeth’s temporal address – unknown by any for five months, and well concealed. Ever had some good news you couldn’t share – or better still, you didn’t have the right ear to whisper into?

Down from the hill country of Judea, Elizabeth’s hometown turned prison, the angel Gabriel makes another unbelievable announcement. The contrast is striking. A young maiden betrothed and pure as the olive oil in the lamps that lights the temple of the Most High, becomes the object of God’s grace.

“But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month.”

The voices from gossip lane. Unending questions from family. “Young women of today! Can’t keep it tight for the night when the festive dance ends.” … “And old man Joseph too! How could he lose control like that?” With increasing crescendo, the voices grew. How much can the young woman take, and for how long?

“Ah! Cousin Elizabeth!”

Like a Gazelle, Mary sprints up the hill country. There they stood. Two women, needing each other. Two generations brought together by the providential unfolding of God’s redemption plan; embraced by the warmth of His grace – affirming and encouraging each other!

 Don’t we all crave the moment sometimes? Don’t you need the warmth of someone who understands you – someone who knows how it feels to be misunderstood, shunned, and vilified? Don’t we need each other?

 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

“Lord Jesus. Thank you that you understand my situation. Thank you that you know how it feels. I need your embrace to warm me with your grace today. Thank you for coming to me for this reason. Amen!”