Luke 1:46-49
“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.’”
If Christmas has come, skip to our final video on the Nativity. If Christmas hasn't come, on this fourth Tuesday of Advent, we can remember Elizabeth. The ornament for today should represent Elizabeth meeting the Virgin Mary (two women).
The Visitation is a story from the Bible that follows the Annunciation. After Mary receives the news that she will bear the Son of God, she goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist.
Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and recognizes that Mary is carrying the Messiah. She exclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" Mary responds with a beautiful song of praise known as the Magnificat, expressing her joy and gratitude to God.
The story of the Visitation teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the power of community and support. Mary and Elizabeth, both chosen by God for extraordinary roles, come together to share in their unique experiences and provide encouragement to one another.
Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's work in others. Elizabeth's recognition of Mary's blessedness and her affirmation of Mary's role in God's plan demonstrate the value of acknowledging and uplifting one another.
Lastly, the Visitation reminds us of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Through Mary and Elizabeth, we witness the unfolding of God's plan for salvation and His continuous presence in the lives of His chosen ones.
The story of the Visitation can be found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 39-56 in the New Testament of the Bible.