Part of the joy of good news is sharing it! Mary rushes to Elizabeth to relate her news. Her amazement and sheer wonder at being chosen must have consumed her as she journeyed to her cousin’s home. The meeting between the two women is a touching scene. The sense of joy, anticipation and hope between Mary and Elizabeth is palpable — so much so that even the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps with joy. Elizabeth, unable to contain herself, proclaims with bold and confident assurance: ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!‘
This can be our prayer as we consider the mystery of the virgin birth and the glory of God’s unfolding plan of salvation. We can be hopeful and expectant that the Holy Spirit wants to fill us with the same sense of joy, hope and confident assurance. This joy cannot be purchased, it cannot be manufactured or fabricated, but it is born from within as we reflect on our salvation. So often we seek joy from that which is temporary, transient and fleeting — despite the sense of wellbeing and comfort we seek from external things, the joy they give does not last and can often leave us feeling empty. In contrast the joy of the Holy Spirit is secure, durable and lasting. God will convince us that His truths are not mere cold or sterile propositions but living truths that impart his life and power. It is as these truths are pondered that we can penetrate the mystery of the Incarnation. They impart a living joy that will strengthen us as we move through this busy and hectic season.