Accompanied

“And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing is impossible with God.”  Luke 1:36

I realize that this is suppose to be approached solemnly, I do, but did you catch that second bombshell that the Angel Gabriel just dropped?

It’s like he is saying, “Oh and by the way…Elizabeth is also with child.”

Mary must have been reeling!  I can imagine Mary in, “Wait, what?” mode.

Wait? What!??

Yes, your cousin who had been barren, who everyone had assumed would never conceive, whose own husband doubted the probability and was struck dumb; your cousin who is considerably older, who has been, no doubt, harassed for years and who probably assumed it would never happen, is also with child. Because…wait for it...

“nothing is impossible with God.”

Consider that as you live that, Mary. Consider that God chose your older cousin who you look to as a sister to accompany you on this incredible journey.

“Nothing is impossible with God.”

Consider that Elizabeth’s faith has informed your own on some level because you two have been chosen to bring change to the world.

How’s about them apples?

Whenever I read this passage, it makes me think of the people who God sends to “accompany” me. In times of difficulty or joy, these people are able to share on some profound level what is happening to me…and within my spirit. I see Elizabeth and Mary’s relationship the same way.  God does not leave Mary to go through this experience by herself, he blesses her beloved cousin in a way that is also inexplicable. So when people are “whispering” about Mary, they must also add Elizabeth.

But Mary and Elizabeth have each other. They have each other to, in the middle of washing dishes stop and say, “Can you even believe this?” while the other shakes their head, “No.” But, clearly,  “nothing is impossible with God” … so they both give it over to, “Yes”

I have a few people who have been given to me for just such moments.  We can marvel at the wonder that God brings into our lives.  We can see where his hand is at work. We follow disbelief with, “but,” nods head, “I know,” finishes sandwich type of interactions. We share awe and wonder at God’s great love for us, we are able to identify it as such. I envision this for Mary and Elizabeth.

Who is your Elizabeth?

Is there someone who you would want to accompany you in such a way?

Today’s prayer

Today I light the second candle on my wreath.

I light it for the people in our lives who accompany us.

I light it for those who need company that God will provide it.

I light it for faith, that it may grow stronger as we journey through this season.

I light my candle for peace.