Often it is easier to see the presence of the Lord in others than in ourselves. This is one reason why having a community of believers around us is both a delight and necessary through our own spiritual journeys. Others who are anchored in God’s Word can help confirm what is happening in our spirit.

One can only imagine how much Mary, as a young woman, would have desired godly counsel after her miraculous encounter in the previous verses (Luke 1.26-38). In the Lord’s compassion and abounding love, He pointed Mary to Elizabeth, an older relative who also was soon to have a child although she had been barren (Luke 1.36). Without words, The Lord gave both Mary and Elizabeth something greater than the fruit of their womb—Himself! Jesus’s presence was unmistakable as they came together in community.

Jesus the Son, would be present with Mary and, through the Holy Spirit, with Elizabeth as well, as they both believed God’s remarkable promise was being fulfilled. Blessed were both these women as they rejoiced in God’s presence together and made room for Jesus and the Holy Spirit in their lives.

During this Advent season let us fill the void of loneliness by joining others in community and making room, expansive, glorious, intimate room, for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Luke 1.39-45

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ After Mary encounters Gabriel in the previous passage, what does she do? [v. 1] Put yourself in her position, why might she have gone “with haste?” List multiple reasons!

+ Why might Scripture remind us that this is Zechariah’s home? [v. 2] Review his encounter with the Living God in Luke 1.1-22

+ Remarkable things happen in verse 41! Why are these two events so significant?

+ How does Elizabeth respond to this personal encounter with God? [vs. 42-45] How does her baby, soon to be named John the Baptist, respond in utero? [v. 44]

+ In Elizabeth’s rejoicing, how does she confirm Mary’s experience with Gabriel? [v. 45]

+ How does Elizabeth encourage her young relative in the midst of this unusual pregnancy?

+ What does “blessed” mean in verses 42 and 45? How do you use this word? What current day synonyms could we use as well?

+ How could a fuller meaning of this word, “bless” you as you see God’s fill voids in your life?

+ How could this fuller meaning bless others?

+ Who else is present in the community of these two women as they meet? [vs. 41, 43, 45]

+ Where do you see belief and the presence of the Holy Spirit connected in this passage?

+ How is this greeting a fulfillment of God’s promise to Zechariah in Luke 1.15? How have you seen God fulfill promises to you? How have you responded to their fulfillment?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How have you encouraged others by telling how God is living and active in your life?

+ Where have you been filling the God-shaped void in your heart with other things? How can you make room for godly counsel and Jesus Himself today?

+ What intentional steps can you take towards community and towards Jesus TODAY?

+ How can you carve out time during this season to be in intimate community with Jesus by spending time in His Word?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who has God placed on your heart to call today? Who can you encourage in their walk and in their relationship with Jesus?

+ Do your Christmas plans involve one or two others? Who might be on the fringe of your life who you could invite in to your home during this Christmas season?