Presence and Praise pt.1

Scripture Readings: 

Luke 1:40-42

and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

Deuteronomy 28:4

Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.

Commentary: 

Presence and Praise pt.1 (Brad and Holly Squires)

It can be easy to read a verse like Luke 1:40 and have your eyes glaze over, only to miss an amazing moment. Imagine Mary, walking into their home after a long trip. I can imagine Zechariah sitting there, still mute because he questioned what Gabriel had spoken to him - unable to enjoy the promise that was made to him and his wife. 

Mary is invited into their home and she greets them. The Bible tells us that Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then Elizabeth, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, spoke a blessing over Mary. Elizabeth knew that her baby was to prepare the way for the Lord and she also knew that Mary’s baby would be our Savior. She was in the presence of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

The Advent season is for celebrating the coming of God the Son. But what are we celebrating? This time of year can be particularly hard for some. The thought of celebrating may seem distant especially when we have lost someone we love or had immeasurable pain over the last year. Perhaps, we are distracted. We may be celebrating traditions, family, or decorations. Yet, sometimes all these things serve to do is cloud the true meaning of this season. It could be that we’re distant from Jesus. We know of Him, but we don’t know Him. 

As Mary interacts with Elizabeth and she is filled with the Holy Spirit, she praises the Lord. She knows who her baby is - John. And she knows who Mary’s baby is: the coming Messiah. Hope is not lost, but is being restored. It’s through the person of Jesus Christ that we can have hope in every situation. This advent season, we should be filled with the Spirit like Elizabeth and praise the Lord for all that He has done and is doing in our lives. 

Don’t doubt the work of God, like Zechariah, and sit quietly, hoarding good news to yourself. Let us be in his presence and praise Him for the great things he has done. Don’t miss the beauty of Christ’s birth, and don’t miss the beauty of the moments leading to that miraculous event. 

Prayer & Reflection: 

Father, help us to settle in on you this Advent Season. May we be immersed in your word, be still in your presence, hands lifted in praise, willing and ready to do whatever You call us to. May we respond like Mary, with humble belief and obedience. We are thankful for Your Son and His gift of salvation.