Christmas Characters: Elizabeth

The second character in the Christmas story is Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth. Both she and her husband were direct descendants of Aaron, the first priest of Israel. From Luke 1 it’s clear that Elizabeth was a godly woman well-aware that God was behind these events.

The fingerprints of God are all over the births of Jesus and John the Baptist. For example, did you know that Elizabeth and Mary were relatives (Luke 1:36)? We’re not certain of their exact relationship, but many Bible scholars believe they were first cousins. Therefore, the two men were related, perhaps as second cousins. Their relationship is especially significant when Jesus is baptized. It may have been the first time John recognized that his relative, Jesus, was the Messiah.

When Elizabeth became pregnant, she immediately acknowledged that this blessing was from God. In Luke 1: 25 she states, “The Lord has done this for me … He has shown me favor …” Elizabeth knew that God was the One orchestrating these extraordinary events.

Elizabeth also was sensitive to the whispers of God; moreover, she believed what God was telling her.  When Mary greeted her relative, Elizabeth felt the baby leap in her womb. After John finished his sommersault, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She confirmed that Mary was the mother of the Messiah. Before Mary told her, Elizabeth knew that God had revealed to Mary what was about to happen.

Elizabeth recognized that Mary’s visit was an incredible blessing from God. In Luke 1:43 Elizabeth asked, “But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”  Imagine Elizabeth’s excitement at the realization that Mary – her own relative – was the mother of the Lord. Every young Jewish woman hoped to be chosen for this honor. Now Elizabeth recognized she was in the same room with the mother of our Lord; more importantly, she realized she was in the presence of the Lord Himself.

Finally, Elizabeth was given the privilege of being the first to bless both the Christ-child and his mother. Elizabeth proclaimed, “… Blessed are you [Mary] among women, and blessed is the child you will bear” (Luke 1:42).  Later, Elizabeth extends a second blessing to Mary, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished (Luke 1:45).

Throughout this portion of the Christmas story, Elizabeth demonstrates her awareness that God is directing the unfolding events. She knows her life story is part of God’s Larger Story. She takes no credit for herself, but gives all the glory to God. No wonder God chose this godly woman to be the mother of John the Baptist.

What about you? What events have been taking place recently in your life? If you look hard enough, can you see God’s hand in arranging these events? Nothing in life happens by coincidence or happenstance. Every aspect of your life – every experience you’ve ever had – is part of God’s plan for you. Primarily He is molding and shaping you to become more Christ-like; but He also is equipping you to undertake the unique assignment He created You to fulfill. Your life story is unfolding just as God planned; and your life story is an essential part of God’s Larger Story.

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