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." (Luke 1:41-45)
Elizabeth's joy delights me. She is so happy to see Mary and to know that Jesus Himself is present—a tiny embryo in Mary's body. At this moment Elizabeth isn't thinking of what lies ahead—family problems, Mary's reputation, childbirth itself. She is simply overjoyed.
It is good to take time for joy, because joy is the business of heaven (as C.S. Lewis noted). This world is filled with very real trouble and sadness, and if we choose, we can always remember something important to worry about—something that will crowd out joy from this moment.
But Elizabeth lays all that aside to recognize God's blessing here and now. "Blessed are you! Blessed is your baby! Blessed am I, to have you bring Jesus to me! Blessed are you, for believing God's promise."
We, too, are blessed, and for the same reasons. We are blessed because Jesus has come to us, God most high become a human baby. We are blessed because God has kept His promise to redeem us, even at the cost of His own suffering, death, and resurrection. And we are blessed because the Holy Spirit has given us faith in His good promises.
WE PRAY: Dear Savior, thank You for coming to me! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What joys has God given you today?
* How do God's blessings sustain you in time of trouble?
* Give thanks for one joy God has given you.
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 74-76 Revelation 5
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