Mary’s “Second Mom”
Throughout the world, the Christian church has always recognized Mary the mother of Jesus as the most remarkable mother in the Bible. We have Scripture verses that give us a glimpse of who she was and the role she played in Jesus’ story on Earth, and for over 2000 years we have honored her and her example of faithfulness.
Countless studies have been done about the women of the Bible and their stories in history. Many serve as encouragement for godly living, and others point out the sinfulness of mankind and the consequences of living independently of God. Most of these women were mothers, and we can learn so much from what God told us of them in their unique stories. He has also shared with us the names of several who were ancestors of Jesus and a bit of the parts they played. Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba, Rebekah, Ruth, and Sarah are among those we know to be in the holy lineage. Each story is remarkable.
Along with these histories of mothers, we also have glimpses into the lives of some “second moms.”
One was influential in the life of the Virgin Mary—Elizabeth. I’m so grateful we have recorded in the first chapters of Luke a picture of who she was and her vital role in Mary’s life.
As we put the pieces together of these two cousin’s lives, we can see how God blended their stories. Let’s work on that a bit together.
-Both women were upright in the sight of God.
-The angel Gabriel announced the coming children to both families; Zechariah and Joseph had visitations.
-Elizabeth and Mary both received and responded to the proclamations with gratitude and joy.
-Elizabeth’s pregnancy at her old age was a miracle. Mary’s pregnancy was of God Himself.
-Both women chose to live several months out of the public eye at the beginning of their pregnancies.
-Elizabeth and Mary both knew in advance their sons’ names because of Gabriel’s announcements.
-Both were told of God’s purpose to be fulfilled: John would prepare the way for the Messiah, and Jesus would be the promised Messiah.
I think we can learn more.
I could go on to surmise more about their similarities, but these ideas would be from my deductions and not Scripture itself. I’d like to make the following assumptions:
Both mothers watched their sons come and become the men the angel foretold. John and Jesus may have “stood out” as different from their siblings and peers. They both may have watched their boys spend times in solitude and in the desert. They may have seen them both as famous for their deeds, but also persecuted and hated for their deeds. They probably watched their sons grow and mature while wondering if all that had been announced would come to pass.
And if Elizabeth lived long enough, they both would have seen their sons die at the hands of powerful and fearful men.
We don’t know for sure if Mary and Elizabeth spent much time together after the three months Mary lived in Elizabeth’s home, but I am confident God used Elizabeth in a mighty way during that time. Elizabeth would have been an encouragement, and her words would have resonated in Mary as the Holy Spirit confirmed God’s plans and purposes. I’d even like to say that she was blessed by the time spent together and the special relationship she had with her cousin Mary.
And for us today…what can we take away from their stories?
We each have opportunities to be a part of the lives of other women. You may be the “second mom” to a younger mother or new bride. You may be the younger woman who seeks out an amazing lady who has encouragement and life experience to share with you. Both are equally necessary as we walk together as sisters in Christ, but I don’t believe we recognize the importance in these God-given opportunities. Don’t be afraid! Be intentional about spending part of your life and the precious time we’re given by being a blessing to one another.
Consider it a Christmas gift from our Heavenly Father!
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:46-55 (NIV)
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
I want to share with you all my favorite Christmas recipe from Momma; I guess I should say from my grandma. Momma called her “Ma,” so I shall refer to her as such. Ma was born in Wales in the late 1800’s, and passed this Welsh Christmas Kuchen recipe down through the family. My family loves it, and asks for it every year.
This bread is one of my strongest memories of Momma, and I want you all to savor the memories, too, and make sure to create some memories and traditions for your own families.
Merry Christmas
to each of you!
Emmanuel; God is with us!
