In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-40)

Christmas trips were always so much fun. It was exciting to see the Christmas decorations as we walked up to the front door. I loved stepping inside and seeing the Christmas tree, along with all the toys my cousins or friends had gotten for Christmas. Then we'd pull out a few toys of our own that we had brought along.

A Christmas trip to her relative is the first step on Mary's new path. She sets out to see her cousin Elizabeth, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. Mary quickly travels from the area of Galilee to Zechariah's home in Judea. Filled with excitement she walks up to Elizabeth's door. Beaming with joy she greets her aged cousin-and gets the surprise of her life.

In a loud and excited voice Elizabeth proclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42b). Mary is shocked and delighted. She hasn't even had the chance to say anything more than "hello," and immediately Elizabeth knows everything. The Holy Spirit has revealed to her that the Child just beginning to grow in Mary's womb is actually God's Son. (Courtesy of Lutheran Hour Ministries)