The Visitation of Joy

~~~ Zephaniah 3: 14-18a ~~~ Is. 12 used as psalm reading ~~~ Luke 1: 39-56 ~~~

The Visitation

Mary and Elizabeth...spirit filled women...

greet and embrace one another

with great joy.

These two women are drawn together in celebration of life...new life...

a life overshadowed by the Spirit of God.

The very breath of God resided in each and is recognized by each woman.

The breath of God brings forth all of creation.

Amidst their amazement at what the Lord has done for them comes

theirgreat joy and humility. 

"The Almighty has done great things, and holy is his name."

The Word became flesh.

The promises of old fulfilled.

Mary and Elizabeth; modls of faith, trust, obedience, submission, and great joy.

When was the last time you experienced great joy?

What great things has the Almighty done for you?

The Visitation is a communion of the old and the new...the young and the aged...wisdom and simplicity.

Each has been set apart and given a unique position in our salvation story.

Elizabeth the first to recognize the presence of the Lord...the Word...coming down from the Father to live among us...to be one of us in all things but sin.

Elizabeth representing one is never too old to be used by God to further his kingdom.

Mary representing one is never too young either to be used by God.

We too can open ourselves allowing God to use us as he wills.

For he can do great things in our lives as well.

We may not be the bearer of the Messiah or a great Prophet, but

we can be the bearer of great joy in the wonders of the Lord.

For holy is his Name!