Mary’s worries disappeared the moment she saw her aunt. Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah, was the kindest, most gracious person Mary knew. She knew her aunt would believe her story of the angel delivering the news of a son. After all, only a short time ago, Elizabeth’s husband had been visited by a heavenly messenger prophesying the birth of a son for Elizabeth. Mary’s greeting seemed to startle Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s surprised expression was replaced by the most joyful face Mary had ever seen. “Blessed are you among women!” Elizabeth exploded in half song, half shout, “Blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? The moment I heard your voice, my baby leaped for joy inside of my womb. Blessed is she who believed what was spoken to her from the Lord would be fulfilled.
Mary’s soul settled into profound peace. She could not contain the joy and praise that welled up within her. She spoke.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.
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