Mary had barely turned on the road where Elizabeth and Zechariah lived when she heard that all too familiar voice, shouting towards her; "Mary! Mary!" Mary looked around to see Elizabeth quickly walking towards her. "Elizabeth!" The relief to see Elizabeth was overwhelming. Elizabeth would comfort her; she would know what to do.
As Mary quickened her pace, she realized that Elizabeth had stopped. She was holding her tummy with the most peculiar look on her face. Then all of a sudden, it was as if the moment became clear for Elizabeth. In a loud and joyful voice, Elizabeth greeted Mary by exclaiming; "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Elizabeth's arms were outstretched to Mary and she continued on her way, welcoming her.
Tears began falling down Mary's cheeks, as she fell into Elizabeth's arms. She didn't understand how Elizabeth knew, but she didn't care. Elizabeth knew....and yet, she still loved her!
As Mary released her arms from around Elizabeth, she gathered herself and slowly turned her gaze toward the beautiful clear sky. "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is his name! His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation; He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts; He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble; He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty; He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers".
Without speaking a word, Elizabeth gently took Mary's hand and led her back to the house. In the caring and loving presence of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary rested and grew strong in the life that God had given to her. She stayed with Elizabeth for about 3 months, helping with daily chores as Elizabeth's time grew near. Mary spent her quiet moments in prayer, gathering her thoughts, practicing the words she would share with her family and with....Joseph. It was time to go home!
Her mother, father....and Joseph sat in front of her with stunned, unbelieving faces. Mary's eyes began to well up with tears, yet her confidence remained. "Joseph"? Mary questioned his face, his eyes. Joseph's gaze turned toward the ground, he didn't know what to say. Joseph slowly stood up, looked up at Mary in a quiet, painful gaze, turned toward the door and left into the night. By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
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