The Visitation
by Rhonda Waters
There once was a young woman named Mary. We don’t know much about her except that she was engaged to marry a man named Joseph and she lived in a town called Nazareth. Then, one day, something extraordinary happened to Mary. Do you remember what happened? (Read Part One)
We do know a little bit more about Mary, in fact. We know that she had a cousin whose name was Elizabeth. Mary and Elizabeth were very good friends and they were both having miracle babies at the same time! Today, we are going to hear part of their story.
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Mary:
I said yes to God and the next thing I knew – I was pregnant! I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised but I was. And it was hard. Joseph was really unhappy but, thankfully, decided to stay with me. My parents were furious. The neighbours gossiped all the time. I thought about telling everyone about the angel – but who would believe me. I was pretty sad, and lonely, and scared.
Choir: Do not, do not, do not be afraid. Do not, do not, do not be afraid.
My parents sent me to my cousin, Elizabeth. I was glad to go – I love Elizabeth. She’s older than me but she is smart and funny and I knew she would be nice to me, no matter what. Besides, she was in the middle of her own surprise. She was miraculously pregnant after a lifetime of not being able to have children – and her husband had suddenly stopped being able to speak!
So off I went, to Elizabeth and her very quiet husband, Zechariah.
“Hello, Elizabeth! I’m here!”
Elizabeth:
The instant I heard Mary’s voice, my baby started doing somersaults in my belly. He was filled with joy – I just knew it – and it filled me with joy, too.
Then, suddenly, I was filled with more than joy – I was filled with the Holy Spirit! I ran out to Mary and threw my arms around her in a big hug! “Mary”, I shouted excitedly, “you have been blessed by God beyond anything we could imagine! You’re pregnant with the holiest of babies! I can’t believe the mother of my Lord has come to visit me – my baby knew who you and your child were immediately. You are so brave to trust in God this much!”
Choir: Do not, do not, do not be afraid. Do not, do not, do not be afraid.
I knew it was a good idea to come see Elizabeth! I was so happy that I burst into a song!
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Mary’s Story: Part Three
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