The story (part 1)

Zacharias and Elizabeth lived in a very modest home nestled in the hill country just south of Jerusalem. Zacharias was a priest at the temple in Jerusalem. There were thousands of priests; each served a total of two weeks during the year. This was going to be a special year for Zacharias because, as a priest, he was allowed to burn incense in the temple once during his lifetime and this year the lot fell to him. Elizabeth, Zacharias’ wife, was a direct descendant of Aaron, the very first high priest of Israel and brother of Moses.

Both Elizabeth and Zacharias were advanced in years as Elizabeth became pregnant with their first child. She had been barren but now God had sent an angel to announce to Zacharias that his wife would bear him a son. Zacharias shook with fear as the angel said “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard; your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 

The news was just too much for him; he doubted that this could be true. Once more, Gabriel spoke to Zacharias who was  face first on the ground, “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time”. Zacharias peeked through his hands that were clenched tightly around his face.  As he exited the temple a crowd of curious onlookers could not get Zacharias to speak a single word. 

Six months later and seventy miles away, Elizabeth’s relative Mary was also greeted by the angel Gabriel “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women! Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” Mary stood speechless in the dim light.

As the words left the angel’s lips, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the power of the Highest overshadowed her; she immediately became pregnant. Before disappearing, Gabriel informs Mary that Elizabeth and Zacharias were also going to have a son. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Mary would reflect on these words many times before Jesus was born.

Mary’s father and brother saddled the family’s donkey and then set out on the 70 mile journey to visit Elisabeth who lived in the hill country of Judah. Mary longed to see her and witness the miracle that the angel Gabriel had prophesied to her concerning her child. So as night began falling, Mary, and Joseph set out in haste towards the south towards the hills of Jerusalem. The road was very dusty filled with ruts and rocks. The entire trip took several days to complete. 

Passing through Jerusalem, Mary noticed the temple’s white limestone blocks colored orange in the late afternoon light. Soon Mary and Joseph neared the village where Zacharias lived. Mary’s heart began to pound as she remembered what the angel told her. Mary pushed aside the drape covering the front opening. Inside sitting near the fireplace warming herself, was Elizabeth. 

Mary ran to greet her and kissed her on each cheek. And just as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the baby leaped inside of her womb; And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary and Elizabeth talked and encouraged each other with all the wonderful news God had delivered through the angel Gabriel, however Zacharias was still unable to speak to anyone. Mary decided to stay and help Elizabeth with the day to day chores of cooking, cleaning and washing clothes. She ended up staying three months with her until it was just time for the arrival of her son.

Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth.  The trip back took much longer because Mary was much further along in her pregnancy.  Again as they traveled through Jerusalem, the morning sun illuminated the gold doors of the temple and the baby kicked inside of her. Soon she would be back in her own quaint village of Nazareth awaiting the birth of the blessed Son of God! 

Follow Mary and Joseph next week’s edition as the couple travels back to Bethlehem to take part in the world wide census. Ride along with the mother of Jesus as she endures the journey to the City of David during a time when the crowed roads and inns lend them very few options for the birth of their child.