After leaving Jerusalem, Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah lived in seclusion in Ein Kerem. With all their household help gone, it wasn’t easy for the elderly couple to manage on their own. At first, Elizabeth couldn’t understand why her husband insisted on living alone, but after reading what he had written, she realized they had no choice. A child to prepare the people for the Messiah-if word of this got out, it would only be a matter of time before King Herod had them killed, as she knew all too well from experience.
To be honest, she hadn’t fully believed her husband’s words at first. But seeing his confident expression and changed attitude, she sensed something profound must have happened in the sanctuary. So she began meditating daily on what God’s will might be. Sometimes she wished God would send her an angel too so she could believe more easily, but figuring there must be a reason He hadn’t, she decided to trust and follow her husband’s words for now.
However, as her belly grew, this lifestyle became increasingly burdensome. Though her husband tried his best to help, having never done housework before, there were often times when she felt it would be better if he just left things alone. If she were a bit younger, she might have managed somehow on her own, but with age, even keeping house in their small home felt overwhelming. After much deliberation, she decided to send someone to Nazareth to request help.
Mary’s family in Nazareth were close relatives, and though the distance prevented frequent visits, they kept in touch regularly. Despite difficult circumstances, they always maintained their smiles and consistently refused offers of help, saying God must have a reason for their trials and they wanted to find the meaning before accepting assistance. There had been a period of several months recently when contact was lost, and Elizabeth had felt quite hurt upon learning that Mary’s father had been seriously injured during that time. If only they had told her, she would have found some way to help. But as before, determined to discern God’s will, they had endured that difficult time in secret, even from her. Of course, since they found a husband for Mary through that ordeal, perhaps their choice had been right after all.
What kind of man would Mary’s husband be? Though she didn’t know him, she could say he was truly blessed. Elizabeth knew better than anyone what a fine bride Mary would make. Mary had such strong faith, a good personality, and was skilled not only in housework but cooking as well. With her great concern for others, she was always the quickest to help those in need. Just hearing about her actions when her father was injured showed what a wonderful person she was.
Knowing Mary’s character, Elizabeth had sent someone to Nazareth to ask if she could come stay for a while. When she had last visited Nazareth a few years ago, Mary had been an adorably cheerful young girl-what would she look like now? With marriage approaching, she must have blossomed into quite the young lady. Elizabeth couldn’t wait to see her.
As Elizabeth eagerly awaited Mary’s arrival, the child in her womb continued to grow day by day. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed daily, meditating on what God wanted from them. Though certain God would act to fulfill His promise, they had no idea what that might entail.
Then one day, while Zechariah was briefly out on an errand, Mary finally arrived. Elizabeth opened the door to see the long-awaited Mary, who looked as if she had something to say but remained silent, her eyes brimming with tears. Seeing her tears, Elizabeth felt a pang of concern.
“Mary, you’ve grown into such a beautiful young woman.”
As Elizabeth stroked Mary’s hair, Mary buried her face in Elizabeth’s chest and burst into tears. Elizabeth wondered what hardships she must have endured to be so distraught, and silently rubbed Mary’s trembling back. After some time, Mary seemed to calm down and looked up at Elizabeth.
“You really are pregnant!”
“Yes, Mary. God has shown us grace.”
“I’m truly happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
Mary smiled as she gently touched Elizabeth’s belly in wonder.
“The baby is moving.”
“It’s been more active since you arrived.”
Tears welled up in Mary’s eyes again as she felt the baby with her palm.
“Mary, has something happened?”
Though Elizabeth’s eyes were full of concern, Mary still hesitated to speak.
“You can tell me anything, don’t worry.”
At Elizabeth’s sincere words, Mary seemed to make up her mind and began to speak. As she listened to what had happened in Nazareth, Elizabeth was shocked. It connected to the prophecy her husband had heard in the temple: her child would prepare the people for the Messiah, and Mary’s child would be the Messiah. Elizabeth, who had never told anyone about what happened in the sanctuary, immediately knew Mary’s story was true. God had been working in ways they never imagined.
“Oh my, look at me. I haven’t even greeted you properly. Dear Elizabeth, I’m here. Have you been well?”
When Mary’s greeting reached Elizabeth’s ears, the baby in her womb moved as if with joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed in a loud voice:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
Mary seemed startled by Elizabeth’s sudden words, but soon broke into a bright smile and joyfully replied:
“My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. His mercy is for generations of those who fear him. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”
Elizabeth embraced Mary tightly as she praised God with a loud voice. Things that made no sense logically kept happening: her husband meeting an angel in the sanctuary, Mary receiving the annunciation, and even now the baby’s reaction she could feel. What did it matter if an angel hadn’t spoken to her directly? After long meditation on God’s word, she could clearly understand now. The child in her womb and the Messiah to be born to Mary-what greater proof could be needed? God is truly righteous.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, until just before she gave birth, then returned to Nazareth. Mary’s own belly had swollen slightly, noticeable to those who knew her. How would her family and Joseph, her husband-to-be, react when they saw her? That remained to be seen. But one thing was certain-God would not abandon those He loved.
The passages from Luke 1:42–55 quoted in this narrative are taken directly from the World English Bible (WEB) translation.
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