Mary was overjoyed at what her cousin Elizabeth told her. After all, since Gabriel’s brief visit, she must have wondered sometimes what had happened and what was going to happen to her. Joseph’s support and trust in her was wonderful, but he hadn’t been there when Gabriel came.
So Elizabeth’s inspired words were a vital confirmation that God was indeed at work in her life, encouragement that she needed. So she rejoiced – and sang a song which is still said or sung every evening in the church’s traditional prayers, the Magnificat. It celebrates the faithfulness of God in past times, and his coming into the world to upend all the usual ideas of power and importance.
Looking back, not just on your own life but on what you know of history and the Bible, what gives you confidence in God’s work in your life today?
Nick Watson 