Following the Star

Pause

God's love is always faithfully at work, always chasing after us.

God's love continues to enter into all the ordinary, marvelous, and messy realities of life in this world.

May you experience this great and faithful love today.

Listen

Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

Luke 1:39-43

Think

We’re not entirely sure why Mary chooses to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Neither of them had expected to become pregnant until angels showed up, bringing news of what was to come. Mary is younger, Elizabeth is older, but they both are experiencing the disruption of this life-changing event. The bonds of love between them include not just blood relation, but this shared experience. This is a joyous yet uncertain time for them both.

God’s love is shown to us in many different ways. Sometimes it comes in the form of the love and support of others who know a bit of what it’s like to face what we are going through and walk in our shoes. Mary and Elizabeth are able to lovingly walk with one another through this time.

Who has been that type of person in your life? Who around you is now going through something you’ve faced or are still facing? How might the two of you be able to help one another?

Chris Cash

Pray

God of Love, thank you for the gift of others to walk with me through the journey of life. May both my joys and struggles help me be a better friend to others who face similar things. Amen.

Go

Today, may you experience the relentless, faithful love of God entering your world. May it change you.

May that same love send you out into this world to relentlessly, faithfully love others as you have been loved.