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? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

Luke 1:39-45

Think

One late summer day I gathered with friends at the lake. For lunch we headed to our favorite marina and restaurant. The place was loud with the DJ blaring beach music. As he transitioned from one song to the next he said, “Want to give a shout out to Leslie, who is here all the way from California with her aunt.” My ears immediately perked up. The next day I was heading to California to go to school where I knew absolutely no one. I rushed over to her and blurted out, “I’m moving to California tomorrow! Where do you live?” After a moment of awkward silence, a smile came across her face. “Hi, I’m Leslie. What’s your name?” This random encounter led to Leslie being a person who walked with me in the early days in a new community and also to a deep and valued friendship.

Journeys into uncharted waters can be challenging. I imagine Mary also felt this trepidation. To have the companionship of Elizabeth was truly a blessing. In this season of preparing for the Christ Child, who might you share the journey with?

Brian Prior

Pray

Loving God, prepare me this day to open myself to those with whom you are calling me to share the journey. Amen.

Go

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

For this day, I know I am a beloved child of God.