Mindy Lee Hopman

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” ~Matthew‬ 19‬:‭26,‬ ESV

Families travel from near and far to celebrate the holidays together. A sense of oneness is found when siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins gather, and a deep longing is present when certain family members are missing. There is a special comfort found in being with those who love you and know you best.

My daughter adores her Aunt Rooney. Rooney is fashionable and fun, yet similar in a comforting way to her mom because she is her sister. There is no doubt that a special relationship exists between an aunt and a niece or nephew. 

Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth and a rush of excitement filled the air. Each woman was at a completely different age and stage of life.

The perfect time to have a first child is unique for everyone—especially when God is in the process of working miracles through the parents. Elizabeth, in her old age, became pregnant while Mary was carrying the Hope of the world.

Today’s Scripture:

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” ~Luke 1:35-45, NLT

Today’s Snapshot: An Adoring Aunt 

Mary trusted the Lord, but she needed a comfortable place to mentally process the promise found growing within her. Elizabeth’s home was a safe place for her heavy heart to land.

As soon as Elizabeth saw Mary, Elizabeth’s baby jumped with joy. Elizabeth confirmed to Mary what her heart already knew.

Even though it appeared physically impossible, Mary was carrying the Son of God, because nothing is impossible for God.

God blessed Mary because she believed. Mary believed and she became the mother of the baby who would reconcile the world.

Family Discussion:

• If you were able to live with an extended family member for a year, whom would you choose? Why?
• Mary was faithful. She believed, and God blessed her. Is it easy or hard for you to believe the Christmas story?

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for our families. Those who live with us, those who live afar, and those friends whom we consider family. We praise You for the gift of time that you give us over the holidays to reconnect with our loved ones. May we use the gift of time to rest and celebrate our love for You. We praise You for Mary’s belief. She believed You and You worked a miracle through her. Like Mary, may our hearts believe in the miracle that took place when You sent Your son to the manger and gave joy to the world. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen

This devotional is adapted from Faith Roots: An Advent Family Devotional available for purchase on Amazon.