“The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.“

Luke 1:35-37 

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December 23, 2025 

Yesterday we heard Gabriel’s incredible declaration to Mary—and it was quite a doozy.  But there is one more piece to this unbelievable message: Mary’s relative Elizabeth, who has been infertile her entire life and is now past menopause, now too old to conceive and carry and birth a baby—she too is pregnant, already in her sixth month.  

This isn’t the part of the story we normally include in nativity scenes and Christmas pageants, but in these words from the angel I learn so much about God, about God’s character and His compassion for us. And also. Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 

Realize this: Mary has just been given news that literally no one will believe—but in the same breath God provides a friend, a partner to walk alongside and help her carry it all. Elizabeth will believe Mary’s unbelievable story because she herself is already caught up in the middle of it. Elizabeth has spent six months struggling through the highs and lows of a “advanced maternal age” pregnancy—but more than that, a miraculous pregnancy.  

Mary was a virgin, absolutely incapable of conceiving a child. And yet, she is pregnant. Elizabeth and her husband have been infertile their entire lives, yet she too is pregnant; she’s six months along.  

In Elizabeth, Mary has someone who can truly and totally believe her incredible, unbelievable story.  

And with this bombshell, the angel leaves.  

Mary is alone, and if she’s anything like me her mind is spinning with anxieties and questions. Can you imagine what she’s thinking? I would be beside myself. What should I do? Who can I possibly tell? What happens now?  

But already God has provided the answer. From that first moment, Mary doesn’t have to do any of this alone. She has a clear first step: go and visit her friend. Elizabeth will understand. Elizabeth will believe her and stand beside her. They can support each other.  

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • Have you considered what it felt like to be in Mary’s shows? Take a moment to reflect on this, now.  
  • Have you considered what a gift Elizabeth (and her own miracle pregnancy, and the instructions that they be together) was to Mary? Take a moment to consider this now.  
  • What does this show about God and His loving care, compassion, and provision?  

Church Reading Plan: 2 Chronicles 27-28; Revelation 14