Celebrating Sisterhood: The Bond of Friends Who Become Family

Luke 1:39-45 (NIRV) At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in Judea’s hill country. There she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby inside her jumped. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she called out, “God has blessed you more than other women. And blessed is the child you will have! But why is God so kind to me? Why has the mother of my Lord come to me? As soon as I heard the sound of your voice, the baby inside me jumped for joy. You are a woman God has blessed. You have believed that the Lord would keep his promises to you!”

First of all, what a godly woman Elizabeth must have been. To be so in tune with God to know this truth! She actually listened to the Holy Spirit.

Gabriel, the angel, visited Mary. He told her that Elizabeth was pregnant, so Mary immediately traveled to see her. They probably celebrated holidays together and knew each other well. I imagine that Mary observed Elizabeth, through the years, working in the kitchen and hosting gatherings for the family. Elizabeth was probably in her sixties, and Mary was in her early teens.

There was a family bond shared between them, and now they shared secrets that would bind them together forever. Both of them conceived miraculously. They are the focus of the town jokes. (An older woman and an unmarried woman are pregnant!) But they are faith-filled women who trust God totally. And they are both filled with the Holy Spirit.

There is nothing better than a relationship with someone who “gets you.” It is a gift to have someone with whom you can share experiences, pray, laugh, cry, and find comfort. It doesn’t matter how much time passes between visits or conversations. A kindred spirit, whether a friend or family member, is comforting and a blessing. Above all, being with someone who loves you, no matter what, is a great gift. Relationships take time, cultivation, patience, and faithfulness. Take time during the holidays to encourage, love, and inspire. Share the gift of friendship with someone today.

Today’s Questions: Who do you need to reach out to today? Is there someone who comes to mind when you think about the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth?

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.