Experience Christmas is a 19-day devotional series based on the Scriptural narrative and aimed at creating space during a beautiful, but hectic time of year to wonder at the miracle of Christmas. You’re joining us on day seven, with music from Joy Williams and a look into the safe place God provided for Mary after her calling.

Watch & Listen

Here with Us, Joy Williams
YouTube (video edited by Bob Barry) | Lyrics | iTunes

Read

Luke 1:39-66

————————————–

Holding the secret of Messiah in her womb, Mary manages to quickly get away and find the only person she knows she can trust. Elizabeth, the barren woman turned mother-in-waiting, has also become intimately familiar with the supernatural ways of Almighty God. She too is carrying a miracle baby.

At the sound of Mary’s voice, Elizabeth’s child leaps inside of her, and she knows Mary’s secret before another word can pass between them.

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Luke 1:42 NIV

I can imagine the relief Mary feels at this moment. The secret she carries is no longer hers alone. Someone else acknowledges her story and believes it as truth. The what-ifs and what-mights that lingered over Mary’s heart in recent days were set to rest in the confidence of this trusted friend.

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me –
holy is his name.”
– Luke 1:46-49 NIV

Mary is reminded in such a practical way that she will not have to walk this road alone. She is not only chosen by God to be the mother of His Son, she is seen by Him. Her fears, her questions, the longings of her heart are all known to Father God, and through the safe place provided by this precious friend, God affirms Mary in her calling.

Mary stays with Elizabeth and Zechariah for three months, long enough to be present through Elizabeth’s third trimester, and even possibly at John’s birth. Practically, this season is invaluable to Mary as she learns about pregnancy and childbirth through Elizabeth’s experience. Spiritually – even more so – Mary is given time and space to grow in faith and confidence for what is coming next.

Pregnancies can only be kept secret for so long.

When God calls us to do hard things, or asks us to live through hard things well, He never leaves us on our own. He stands with us, sending us people who will be the spiritual and practical encouragement we need, when we need it most.

Consider

• Who has God placed in your life as a practical or spiritual encourager?
• Where is your safe place in the Lord?
• What can you learn in a season that provides you with a place of safety to prepare you for the hard things that may be coming?

Pray

Pray that God would show you where He has sent encouragers to you, and that God would teach you what you need to know in your safe place in Him.

Father thank you that You see us and You know us. Thank you for being present in the seasons of difficulty, and in the seasons of preparation. Show us the place of safety you have for us. Show us where we can find encouragement, and teach us to become a safe place and encouragement to others.

For a complete list of devotional posts visit the Experience Christmas series page. Sign up to receive posts directly via email by completing the online subscription form and join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #ExperienceChristmasDevotional. See my disclosure page for iTunes and other affiliate information.