Leaping for Joy

Read Luke 1:39-45

In light of the news of her pregnancy, Mary quickly makes her way to the home of her relatives. Perhaps she will receive some encouragement from these two godly people, as the recent events would have likely led to her social alienation. What Mary is unaware of is that Elizabeth has some shocking news of her own. Before either woman can share the news of their pregnancies, a fetal John the Baptist issues the spoiler. Even this unborn child experiences emotion at being in the presence of his Creator.

In this scene two unborn children, one being the messiah and the other his great messenger, interact with one another. This supernatural encounter features John the Baptist’s first “preparing of the way of the Lord,” as he recognizes, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that he is in the presence of the messiah. From the womb, the child responds with the most appropriate of emotions: joy.  It causes him to leap.

In response to her unborn child’s elation, Elizabeth declares what is known to be true of Mary and the child she is carrying, “You are the most blessed of women, and your child will be blessed!” The “most blessed of women” is a powerful statement, yet it had nothing to do with anything inherent in Mary’s character. Rather, it was in response to the character of the child in her womb.

When we fully embrace the presence of Christ in our lives we, like Mary, are blessed. This blessing comes not from anything we have done or could ever do, but is provided by all that Christ is and has done. While Jesus physically resided in Mary’s womb 2,000 years ago, his Spirit indwells us today. Because of this, like Mary, we are among those most blessed.

Starter Prayer:
Father,
Help me to leap with joy at the thought of being in your presence. You are indeed the Holy One, and if even an infant can grasp that, how much more should I, who have seen your marvelous deeds, be filled with joy? Thank you for taking up residence in my heart and for considering me among those most blessed.
Amen.