At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1 : 39 - 41

Reading for this week : Luke 1 : 39 - 45

Thought for the week

We are all experiencing many encounters during this week, preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Some encounters were planned. Some were hoped for, others just happened.

In our Gospel reading we hear of Mary coming to visit, and to stay, with Elizabeth. Both are carrying a child. Each of them has been called to participate in the unfolding story of salvation. Their very human meeting takes place within the world – changing encounter between humanity and the grace of God.

In our Thursday livestream this week Rachel said, “There is deep love between these two women, and great respect for one another. But it goes even deeper than that, as something happens in the connection between the babies they are carrying. Jesus asks to be born in us, in each and every day. In each and every circumstance. To grow within us. To transform us by His love. To guide us into new ways of life, and to make His Kingdom known through us”.

In all our encounters this week. In the haste and busyness, let’s set out to see the face of Jesus. To know the depth of His love at this time.

Prayers for this week

In this Advent of expectation
draw us together in unity,
that our praise and worship
might echo in these walls
and also through our lives.

In this Advent of expectation
draw us together in mission,
that the hope within
might be the song we sing,
and the melody of our lives.

In this Advent of expectation
draw us together in service,
that the path we follow
might lead us from a stable
to a glimpse of eternity.

John Birch, 2016, Faith and Worship

Eternal God,

as Mary waited for the birth of your Son,

so we wait for His coming in glory;

bring us through the birth pangs of this present age

to see, with her, our great salvation

in Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen