THE YOUNG JESUS
by Charlene & Friedhelm Dohmann

Mary and Elizabeth

Shortly before the birth of John, Mary traveled to Elizabeth. Luke does not explain how both women were related, although they are often noted as cousins. Nevertheless, Mary and Elizabeth were undoubtedly very close friends and as soon as Mary got the report from the angel Gabriel of Elizabeth's wonderful pregnancy, she couldn't wait to visit the older woman, who God had blessed with such an unusual miracle. The name of the city where Elizabeth and her husband lived is not mentioned in the bible. It is simply called, "a city in the hills of Judah".

When Mary arrived and greeted her friend, Elizabeth's child leaped within her. Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and shouted: "You are favored by God above all other women, you and your child. Who am I, that the mother of my Lord is visiting me...!"

Mary responded, "Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes from generation to generation, to all who adore him...!"

Mary remained approximately three months with Elizabeth. Although Luke writes nothing about this time, one can imagine that Mary and Elizabeth jointly pursued the duties in the house, and often spoke about the mystery of mercy which God had shown them. Despite their faith and the joy they felt as being selected, they might have anxiously wondered, why God had chosen them to contribute to the salvation of mankind.

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