Finding Light in Joy, Week 3, Day 1

I've learned that people

will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.

~ Maya Angelou

Inside everyone is a great shout of joy waiting to be born.”

~David Whyte

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:39-46 (NRSV)

Can you image this profound encounter of Mary and Elizabeth? Two ordinary women, one old and the other a teenager, both with empty wombs now full of new Spirit-filled life! Elizabeth, barren, suffered the pain of childlessness and perhaps was fearful of the risks of pregnancy at an old age. Mary, a scared unwed mother, afraid of rejection, fearful of Joseph's response and anxiety about the shame she brought on him and the family. At their meeting they carried their sorrow and anxiety and opened their hearts to joy and wonder, holding space for all these mixed feelings in their hearts! They blessed and reassured one another by recognizing God's action in each other's lives. Each one offered what was uniquely theirs to God and to each other. This great shout of joy was waiting to be born in Elizabeth and Mary and empowered them to sing the song God placed within them.

Kate Bowler suggests that joy is oxygen for doing hard work. Mary and Elizabeth didn't have an easy road ahead of them; however, this sacred encounter of encouragment helped sustain them through the difficult and uncertain times. Elizabeth and Mary honored and inspired each other for what was to come.

Reflection

1. Maya Angelo states above that people never forget how we make them feel. We see in the lives of Elizabeth and Mary how they respected, strengthened and inspired each other. How are you called this season to inspire and encourage other people to sing the song God has placed within them?

2. Reflect on holding space in your heart for both the joys and sorrows this season. How has grace entered into your suffering? Notice how grace enters into the suffering of others and the world.

Song: Ave Maria, Chloe Agnew, an original and former member of Celtic Woman

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Maker of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come, Lord Jesus!"

~ Henri Nouwen

Resources

Bowers, K. (2022). The Season of Waiting (and waiting and waiting). A 4-Week Advent Devotional

Keepers, D. (2022). Elizabeth and Mary: Called to Encourage