Pain and Fear and Doubt

 So here is Elizabeth, in her old age and in her sixth month.  Zachery, her husband, is unable to speak after his encounter with the Angel Gabriel six months previously.  And she....who does she have to speak with about her pain...and her fear....and her doubt.  The Jews were literate, so maybe Zach had somehow communicated with her in writing what had happened to him, but still...so many unanswered questions had to be swirling through her mind.  This child of hers.....who was he to be?  And now, the long-awaited Messiah was about to appear?  What would it mean for the Jews?

And now, she hears a voice calling to her, and the child in her womb leaps for joy!  Mary, her cousin, has arrived from Nazareth:  "How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Elizabeth cries!  And Mary herself, with her own questions.  How to say what has happened to her?  But Elizabeth already understands by the grace of God and power of the Holy Spirit.  No unbelievable explanations needed here.  For the next three months, the women have joy and companionship in their questions, fears, and doubts.  What is to happen next?  How will Mary explain to Joseph? Imagine the Messiah of Israel from Mary, her cousin!  Who is to help me in childbirth? 

And here is the beauty of "God-with-us"!  Whenever there is a manifestation, an incarnation, of God in our lives, He at that moment sends someone to help us, to understand what has happened to us.  He sends companionship along the way.  No lengthy explanations necessary!  We meet at once a "soul friend," a companion.  In the words of one of the songs from the charismatic renewal, You send marvelous comrades to me, the people who dwell in your land/ those who have chosen alien gods/ have chosen an alien band.

Our God is Emmanuel -- God with us. Not only does He pour out his presence in us (called "grace"), but He sends us companions to walk with us, to explore with us our questions, doubts, and fears:  What has happened to me?  How am I to respond?  What should I do next?  Who will guide me?  And who will share my joy?

Mary and Elizabeth -- cousins and companions.  A great lesson for us!