Monday 19 December 2016

Advent: 21 December: Year A
1st Reading: Song of Songs: 2:8-14: See how my beloved comes leaping over the mountains. Or Zephaniah 3:14-18.
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45: Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
Elizabeth’s Supernatural Proclamation: A Very Unusual Testimony
Whatever confession was borne about the Baby conceived in Mary was critical importance. Because the baby was...
·        Jesus.
·        The Son of the Most High.
·        The Son of David.
·        The Ruler over the House of Jacob forever.
·        The Ruler whose kingdom will never end.
·        The One born of the Holy Spirit.
·        The Son of God the Most High.
In this passage a supernatural confession is proclaimed and this is the very first testimony ever given by human lips about Jesus.
1.     Mary visited Elizabeth and her visit was memorable (v. 39-42):
a.     Went in a hurry (spoudes) which means speed, diligence, care, earnestness, zeal.
b.    Went to the town of Judah.
c.      Entered Elizabeth’s home and greeted her.
d.    Was welcomed by Elizabeth’s proclaimation:
i.                   Heard Mary’s greeting
ii.                  Felt the baby leap
iii.              Was instantly filled with the Spirit
iv.              Spoke loudly
2.     She proclaimed uniqueness about Mary and her child (v.42): Three unusual things happened immediately.
i.                   The baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb.
ii.                 She was instantly filled with the Holy Spirit.
iii.              She was full of joy and exaltation for the Messiah and spoke in a loud voice.
3.     She proclaimed that Mary’s child was her Lord (v. 43-44):
a.     The great confession
b.    The clear sign
4.     She proclaimed that Mary’s faith would receive the promise (v.45):
There are two reasons why Mary has been blessed by believers of every generation.
i.                   Mary believed in the Word of God sent to her (Lk 1:38). Contrast her belief with Zachariah’s unbelief (Lk 1:20).
ii.                 Mary was related to Christ in a very special way.
Thought: If we wish to be blessed by God, we must believe the Word of God sent to us. Elizabeth’s confession for her Lord was a personal thing.

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