December 20th

When was the last time you saw an Elizabeth figurine in a nativity set? Elizabeth who? Exactly. You have probably never seen her in the manger scene. 

To be fair, she was most likely not there the night Jesus was born. But when we think of the major players in the first Christmas story, we rarely think of Elizabeth. And yet, we should. 

Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin. Much older than Mary, Elizabeth had given up on ever becoming a mother. That was until the day Zechariah, her husband, came home and, with imitation sign language, explained that the dream of parenthood was not over for them. Nine months later, Zechariah and Elizabeth had a baby they named John.

When the angel gave God’s message to Mary, the first person with whom she shared the news was Elizabeth. 

How Elizabeth responded to Mary in that moment was critical. Her encouragement was the strength and confidence Mary needed in that moment. Any discouragement would have been a significant burden for Mary. At that time, Mary needed all the hope and belief she could get. 

Thankfully, Elizabeth was the perfect supporting cast for Mary. 

We cannot all be the Joseph or Mary in the scene. But the role does not determine our value in the story. The author of the story has already made that clear. Every person in the story is important and necessary. 

That includes you.

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:39-45

No one else was created to do what He created you to do. You are a one in a billion. He loves you. He believes in you. And He is counting on you to embrace your place in the story and choose joy!

Right now, take a moment to thank God for including you in the Christmas story. Ask Him to help you see the value of the role you play. Now, go and live your part of the story as well as Elizabeth lived her part.