39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."

The Song of Mary

46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever."

56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

Birth of John the Baptist

57 Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

Today's selection of passages covers a great deal of ground, but we can sense the excitement building.  Imagine what it must have been like for Mary to visit Elizabeth and share the good news.  Think about it; Mary is going to give birth to the Messiah. Elizabeth and Zacharias have been looking forward to God's promised provision for a sin-soaked world.

Mary sings her excitement.  Have you ever sang to God, simply because you're so amazed at the works that He has performed in your life?  I have.  I couldn't help it...I was just so amazed at a love that would be dedicated to me when I didn't feel like I was worth saving.  Mary is understandably amazed at the idea that she would be chosen to bear the "chosen One."

Elizabeth delivers the baby John, and I am sure there was great joy in their home with their new baby boy.  (I've wondered how much energy Elizabeth must have had in order to keep up with a growing toddler a few years down the road from this time.)

Tomorrow, the scriptures elaborate on John's arrival, and we get much closer to the awaited time of Christ's birth in the narrative.