Elizabeth said, “Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” Luke 1:43

There were two cousins who were vital characters of the Advent story. Elizabeth was described as getting on in years and childless, and Mary was young and a virgin. God had wonderful plans for both that would also bring His greatest blessing upon all humankind.

Elizabeth conceived in her old age and stayed hidden for five months. When Elizabeth was six months along, the angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced that she too would conceive, and she would give birth to Jesus. The angel also told Mary about Elizabeth, and that nothing was impossible with God. Luke wrote that Mary arose and went to the hill country of Judah to visit Elizabeth. Mary needed someone who would understand what was happening to her, a person to encourage her that what she was doing was indeed the plan of God.

Here is the beauty of Elizabeth and Mary: They could have tried to outdo each other with their own story. The ability to yield ourselves to another is something of a rarity. It is a natural temptation to top another person’s story with our own experience; but there was none of that with these two women.

They did outdo one another in kind humility. Romans 12:10 says, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” That can only happen when we know who we are in the eyes of God, and when we realize that whatever our purpose in life may be, it is for His glory. Advent reminds us that Immanuel has brought with Him a kingdom where no one is more, or less, important than another. For unto ALL OF US, a Son is born.

“Sing of Mary meek and lowly,
Virgin-mother pure and mild,
Sing of God’s own Son most holy,
Who became her little child.”