What a message to receive! Mary must have been beside herself with the news. There is no mention in the Bible of her parents having been given divine knowledge of the veracity of her encounter with Gabriel, and considering the initial reaction of Joseph they also may have had concerns and doubts. However God is so gracious in His dealings with us, and so for Mary He provides the information that her relative Elizabeth “in her old age” is pregnant for “nothing will be impossible with God”.

When any of us have an amazing experience we long to share it with others. Mary surely would want to talk about Gabriel’s message, but who would understand? At home doubts might have been planted in her mind. Disbelief would have been distressing. She sets off as soon as practical to visit her relative, Elizabeth.

What a joy for Mary from the reaction of Elizabeth! No doubts! No disbelief! Instead, Elizabeth greets Mary with words of encouragement, calling her “Blessed!” By divine revelation Elizabeth understands that Mary is carrying the Messiah whom her own son would bear witness to. The two women would spend months together before Mary returned to Nazareth. This must have been a precious time for Mary.

As we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us share in the joy of knowing, in the words of Gabriel, that “nothing is impossible with God”, and in the words of Elizabeth, “Blessed is she who believed…”., for God’s wonderful promise of a Saviour is fulfilled. 

Agnes Guthrie