Today is New Year’s Day. This year’s Come, Follow Me reading is the New Testament, and Luke’s Gospel opens with these two women.
1Start
Mary hurried to the hill country to see her cousin Elisabeth, who was six months along with the baby the angel had promised (Luke 1:36; 1:39–40).
2Read Together
The angel told Mary about Elisabeth as a sign that “with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:36–37). Mary went “with haste” to see her (Luke 1:39).
41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
3What It Teaches
When Mary called out a greeting, the baby inside Elisabeth leaped, and Elisabeth was “filled with the Holy Ghost” (Luke 1:41). Before Mary shared her news, Elisabeth called her “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43).
Elisabeth said, “blessed is she that believed” (Luke 1:45). She had watched her husband lose his voice for doubting. Now she praised her cousin for believing.
Each woman carried news that few people would understand. They could share it with each other, and Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months (Luke 1:56).
God’s plan for the world moved forward through two homes and two women who trusted him. Elisabeth’s son would prepare the way, and Mary’s son would be the way.
4Talk About It
Elisabeth was the first person to rejoice with Mary. Who in your life helps you believe, and who could you help this year?
5Take to Church
Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and told Mary, “blessed is she that believed.” In the first chapter of Luke, two women help each other trust God.
Today is New Year’s Day. This year’s Come, Follow Me reading is the New Testament, and Luke’s Gospel opens with these two women.
Start
Mary hurried to the hill country to see her cousin Elisabeth, who was six months along with the baby the angel had promised (Luke 1:36; 1:39–40).
Read Together
The angel told Mary about Elisabeth as a sign that “with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:36–37). Mary went “with haste” to see her (Luke 1:39).
41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
What It Teaches
When Mary called out a greeting, the baby inside Elisabeth leaped, and Elisabeth was “filled with the Holy Ghost” (Luke 1:41). Before Mary shared her news, Elisabeth called her “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43).
Elisabeth said, “blessed is she that believed” (Luke 1:45). She had watched her husband lose his voice for doubting. Now she praised her cousin for believing.
Each woman carried news that few people would understand. They could share it with each other, and Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months (Luke 1:56).
God’s plan for the world moved forward through two homes and two women who trusted him. Elisabeth’s son would prepare the way, and Mary’s son would be the way.
Talk About It
Elisabeth was the first person to rejoice with Mary. Who in your life helps you believe, and who could you help this year?
Take to Church
Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and told Mary, “blessed is she that believed.” In the first chapter of Luke, two women help each other trust God.