READ: Luke 1:39-86

Can you feel it? The story is rapidly approaching a climax. I love it that the story unfolds from the point of view of pregnancy. “After his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.” “In the sixth month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth a town in Galilee…” “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.”

The angel Gabriel presented to Mary a double birth announcement. Not only would she have a son, but her barren relative Elizabeth was also six months pregnant and would bear a child. Astonishment upon astonishment! After Mary’s beautiful yes to the Lord, she hurries off to see Elizabeth.

What blesses me in the unfolding of these births is the personal and universal heart of God. I’m encouraged that as He brings about His plans and purposes for individuals and mankind He is present in the details providing for those He uses to fulfill His promises. Can’t you just imagine the depths and heights of joy for Mary as she walked into Elizabeth’s home and saw her rounded belly? Confirmation. Her faith is affirmed. What God said is TRUE!! And then to have John leap in his mother’s womb and hear the Holy Spirit words coming from Elizabeth’s mouth calling her the mother of Elizabeth’s Lord; blessing her for believing that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Joy!

Mary’s heart overflows with praise – praise to the God who has done great things for her and the one who helps and remembers Israel. Mary leaves Elizabeth and Zachariah sometime near the time of John’s birth. After John’s birth when Zechariah’s tongue is loosed in praise the Holy Spirit prophesies through him revealing a long planned partnership between his little John and the baby yet in Mary’s womb. And again I imagine the impact of three months time with pregnant Mary in his home pondering these events with these two people he loved.

Honestly, it feels to me like God is pregnant! Marking time as only a pregnant woman does – waiting, eager, expectant. What a blessing to see His love for Elizabeth, for Mary. What a joy to see His plans unfolding and to know He is in the midst!!

Lord, You’ve long shown me that You are in time even though You are outside of time. You go before me. You are present today. You are ahead of me. In the midst I see the marks of Your presence – the signposts You leave along the way. How I love You and rejoice in Your love for me and for us!