I cannot share with you my 2010 Christmas columns....I can't find them! But I can share what they shared and even better, God will give us new insights. Just copying the scripture above got me thinking -- I bet by this time Mary was really nervous and even scared. It probably had been a day or two at least since Gabriel told her about her pregnancy and she was now realizing what could happen. But he had also told her her older cousin Elizabeth was with child which was a miracle. She knew she could speak with Elizabeth about this. Maybe Mary hurried to Elizabeth to be encouraged, to be believed before she told anyone else.
And what happened? The not-yet-born John leaped when he heard her voice. This tiny person, this tiny hidden baby encouraged Mary. This tiny unseen person validated what Gabriel told her. That trip to see Elizabeth must have been so empowering for Mary -- exactly what she needed to have the courage to tell Joseph and her family.
You don't know how important a small word of encouragement does for someone. We all can make a difference. Encourage someone today.