Day 20

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41

Elizabeth was married to a man named Zechariah. The two of them had waited for a very long time to have a baby. When Elizabeth finally became pregnant, they were filled with great joy. While Elizabeth was pregnant, she was greeted by her cousin Mary — who, at the time, was newly pregnant with Jesus! Even though her baby John was still wrapped within Elizabeth’s womb, he leaped for joy when his mother neared Jesus’s presence. Baby John knew He was in the presence of God, and he was excited! Elizabeth and Mary embraced, full of joy and anticipation of all that was to come. 

The two women spent the next three months together; Mary helped Elizabeth through her pregnancy. Once Baby John was born, Mary returned home to Joseph, looking forward to holding Jesus in her arms someday soon. 

Elizabeth’s story helps us to remember the personhood of the unborn. We learn about her unborn baby John’s personality and faith before his mother sees his sweet face for the first time. Life, from the moment of conception, is sacred! 

Can you imagine Mary and Elizabeth praying and pondering the future of the Jewish people as they baked bread together? One bore a great prophet, and the other, the Son of God! Elizabeth’s story also reminds us that you are never too old to be used in a mighty way by God!