“Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country … and entered the house of  Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.” (Lk. 1: 39-40)

This was Elizabeth’s first Christmas, her first time in the presence of the Christ-child. While He was not yet born, He was very much alive, and her reaction was one of jubilation over the “carrier” of the God-child and wonderment of why she had the honor of being in their presence.

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Her focus turned from daily tasks to amazement at the visit: “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”  (Lk. 1:45)

Elizabeth could not have known the details of Mary’s story, but she discerned that Mary both heard from God and trusted that what she was told would come to pass. Being a woman of faith, Elizabeth understood that God speaks, and that our belief in Him is connected to our being used as instruments in His hand.

From Mary’s viewpoint, we don’t know all that was going on in her heart, but we know that she had been told she was to give birth to Jesus and that Elizabeth was also expecting a child of promise. As Mary dealt with her questions, she somehow knew Elizabeth was connected to God’s plan. So as she pieced together her future, she set out to visit her pregnant relative. She could not know the effect her visit would have, but she quickly learned as a carrier of the divine Immanuel, the effect went to Elizabeth’s core, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

For some people, the Christmas season is often a difficult time. As intercessors, I encourage you to intercede for your family and listen to God’s voice. It may require you to step out in faith, but remember, as a follower of Christ, you are a carrier of His Presence. Mary understood this and encourages us in her song when she reminds us of God’s promises:  “And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.… He has filled the hungry with good things….” (Lk. 1: 50, 53) —David Kubal is President & CEO of  Intercessors for America.