December 11
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Luke 1:41-42
Elizabeth’s joy in this passage is notable in its outward focus. She has already received news herself of a long-awaited pregnancy, remarkable for the fact that she is many years past childbearing age. Aware that Zechariah had received a vision in the temple, she must have known her son would be special to the Lord in some right, perhaps at this point even understanding his role as forerunner. And yet, she does not glorify herself, but rather, empowered by the Holy Spirit, she rightly exclaims the blessedness of the mother of her Lord. In that moment, God uses Elizabeth to reassure Mary that all is going according to his perfect plan. Once again, He reminds us that he is the great Jehovah Jireh.
Precious Lord, thank you for the tender care you give those who are yours. We are eager for the celebration of your incarnation, but more so for the day when you reign over us in the New Jerusalem. Open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Sprit, and our eyes to the work you have set before us. Amen.
The Rahkola Family
The Rahkolas love being a part of the Grace Baptist family! Rauha is a software engineer for Nike. Sarah is an internal medicine physician at Providence Medical Group Newberg. Thomas (16), James (13), and Miriam (11 today!) attend Veritas School and love to hike, camp, and play games with their parents.