“At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?”

Luke 1:41-43:

In this passage, we read how a pregnant Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with the baby who will become John the Baptist. When Mary enters their home, we read that upon greeting Elizabeth her ‘child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit’. Both she and the baby in her womb recognise that Mary is pregnant with the Messiah, Jesus, and she’s astounded she finds herself in the presence of the Lord and His mother.

This gives us a wonderful sense of how powerful and precious Jesus is. Even though He had not been born, His presence alone is so pure and joyous that Elizabeth experiences the Holy Spirit simply by hearing Mary’s voice, and her own unborn baby leaps within her womb at the sound of it. Imagine having that kind of effect when you walk into the room! This should give us real encouragement because it means God shows us favour and that we too can experience Jesus’ presence. Like Elizabeth, the Son of the Living God is present to us and gives us unconditional love. We may also question why this is the case sometimes, but Jesus approves of and blesses us even if we’re feeling low, unworthy or insignificant!

What’s more, this is a reminder that we can be joyful and filled with the Holy Spirit. Now being joyful isn’t always easy or natural, especially at a time when it feels there’s not much to be joyful about, but if we choose to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us, like Elizabeth and her baby, we can know we are in the presence of Jesus and that we have His favour, and no matter the pain and struggle there may be in our life at that moment, we can experience His love and the joy and hope this brings.

Advent Activation

Set aside some time today, and whether it's for a couple of minutes or a couple of hours, reflect on who Jesus is and what He’s done for you. Then ask Holy Spirit to come and fill you with joy - even the kind that makes you leap! - and intentionally rejoice in His goodness.

 

Missed a day? Here's yesterday's devotional!