Mary and Elizabeth

by Leah Chandler

Mary’s hands cradled her flat belly. Was he already growing in her? The angel had just visited and told her miraculous news—that she, a virgin, was pregnant with our Savior, and that her cousin Elizabeth was already six months along with new life after a lifetime of attempting to conceive. 

She must go to her, Mary thought. She hastily packed a bag and set off to see Elizabeth. “I wonder if Zechariah is speaking yet?” she asked aloud. Mary had heard that he’d lost his voice after seeing a vision from God in the temple.

All of it seemed too much! What was God up to? And how was she chosen to be involved? She believed what the angel had said, but after a night’s sleep, she had to wonder if it was a dream. As she journeyed to her cousin’s she considered all that had happened and was promised to happen yet. When she saw her cousin’s face, she knew that it would bring her comfort and confirmation. 

Elizabeth would know.

When their home was in sight, Mary broke into a run. She had to see her face, touch her belly, be near her cousin who was also carrying a miracle child.

Mary knocked on the door as she caught her breath, her heart pounding. “It will be okay,” she whispered to her belly. Then the door swung open, and Elizabeth appeared, a warm smile broke across her face at the site of Mary. 

“Mary, sweet girl, come in!” Elizabeth nearly shouted.

As Mary stepped across the threshold and greeted her cousin, she saw Elizabeth’s hands go quickly to her belly in surprise.  

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “My baby leaped for joy at the sound of your voice!”

Elizabeth continued her blessing and confirmation of all that Mary had been told, and as Mary took in her cousin’s words, warmth spread through her body. She had nothing to fear, just as the angel had said. 

She was not alone. God was with her. Joseph had not abandoned her. And her cousin, Elizabeth, walked before and with her. 

God was certainly up to something, and it was so, so good.