Here we are in the final stretch leading into Christmas. The halls are decked, the trees are trimmed, the presents are being handled with care by all the Fed Ex, Amazon, and UPS delivery folks. Local shops are greeting folks with hot apple cider and a smile (behind their masks, of course). Final menus and travel plans are in the works. Brenda and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May this season be one filled with gratitude and grace, kindness and civility. And pie. Lots of pie.

And I hope you can visit some family or friends this Christmas season. I’ve taken the opportunity to do one last round of visits to some our homebound and more elderly members of Faith. They send their greetings to the rest of the congregation. I video recorded a few of them sharing their personal holiday hellos, and I’ve posted those on YouTube. I’ve added a link here with the podcast and at our website. 

Today’s Gospel reading is about a visit that brings joy, support, and encouragement to both an old woman expecting her first baby, and a young woman facing an uncertain future. Let’s read and explore the story of two cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, recorded in Luke 1:39-56. The Holy Spirit does some cool stuff in the course of their visit together, cool stuff the Holy Spirit continues to do today. Let’s read the story, dig in a little deeper, then look at some really practical tips for when you visit others—during the holidays and beyond. Let’s pray:

Gracious God, your Son Jesus visited the earth at just the right time, for us and for our salvation. Your Holy Spirit brought Elizabeth and Mary together at just the right time for their mutual benefit. Send your Spirit now to visit us, and show us how we can visit others in Your name. Amen.

Luke 1:39-55

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
 47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
 48 for he has been mindful
     of the humble state of his servant.
 From now on all generations will call me blessed,
 49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
     holy is his name.
 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
     from generation to generation.
 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
     he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
     but has lifted up the humble.
 53 He has filled the hungry with good things
     but has sent the rich away empty.
 54 He has helped his servant Israel,
     remembering to be merciful
 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
     just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.