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There is a Bible story that is as timeless as God Himself. At this time of the year it is told and retold more than at any other season. It has been dubbed the Christmas Story because tradition (whether correct in chronology or not) has it that at this time of year Messiah was born. Because we are engaged in a study of Comfort in the context of God being The God of All Comfort, this story is absolutely appropriate. For this reason, the following passage from Luke 1 is quoted in its entirety without comment (numbers in parentheses indicate the verse numbers within this chapter):

Now Mary [Mother-to-be of Jesus] arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, (39)

and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth (Mother-to-be of John the Baptist]. (40)

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. (41)

Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (42)

But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (43)

For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. (44)

Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (45)

And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, (46)

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (47)

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. (48)

For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. (49)

And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. (50)

He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (51)

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. (52)

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. (53)

He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, (54)

As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” (55)

Messiah was the cause of unbridled joy! Mary and Elizabeth understood, at least to some degree, the significance of the events in which they were playing a major role. They knew, as the previous words indicate, that they were part of a one-of-a-kind occurrence, one that would change the fate of humanity for all of time and eternity! Where pain, hunger, and want had existed, there would be freedom from pain, freedom from hunger, and freedom from want! Only Messiah could bring such comfort!

Questions:

1. Who was Elizabeth’s husband?

2. Why did the babe leap within Elizabeth’s womb when she was greeted by Mary? How could ANYONE know why the babe leaped without God’s specific revelation of the facts?

3. What reference did Mary make to the promises made to Abraham? Explain these promises in their historical and prophetical setting.

4. How did Mary and Elizabeth know that they were playing roles in one-of-a-kind events?

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The First Sin