The Joyful Witness of Elizabeth
One of the most encouraging scenes in the entire Christmas story isn't about angels or shepherds; it’s about two women sharing a moment of pure, Holy Ghost-filled fellowship. This is the story of Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth, right after Mary received her impossible news.
Mary was likely confused, possibly scared, and certainly needed confirmation that she hadn't just imagined the angel Gabriel. Where did she go? To the only person also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy in her old age: Elizabeth.
When Mary greeted her, something incredible happened. Luke 1:41 (KJV) says: "...the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost."
The Spirit of God filled Elizabeth, and her unborn son, John the Baptist, reacted! This is the first recorded moment of the pre-born John acknowledging the presence of his Savior, Jesus.
Elizabeth immediately spoke a powerful blessing over Mary, confirming everything the angel had told her. She said, in verse 45: "And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."
What a beautiful, uplifting truth! Elizabeth didn't need to hear the whole story from Mary; the Holy Ghost revealed the truth to her, and her entire being responded with joy. She validated Mary’s miracle and offered encouragement.
This scene gives us two beautiful lessons:
Confirmation and Joy: When we encounter Christ, even in the quiet beginning stages of His work in our lives, we should respond with overwhelming joy. Elizabeth didn't wait to see the grown Messiah; she responded to the promise.
The Power of Connection: We all need an "Elizabeth." We need a godly friend who is filled with the Spirit, who will see the impossible work God is doing in our lives, and who will speak a word of blessing and confirmation over us. When God calls you to a radical path, find someone who can affirm the vision.
Today, I encourage you to think about who in your life is your Elizabeth—the person who speaks life, faith, and blessing into your impossible situations. And perhaps more importantly, think about how you can be an Elizabeth for someone else.
Your role in another person's story might just be to offer validation and encouragement. Your blessing might be the confirmation someone else needs to step out in faith. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become joyful witnesses who can speak the truth and promise of God over others, helping them to believe that there "shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."