And how does it happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment of the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy Luke 1:43
One of my favorite paintings was crafted by Corby Eisbacher, an Evangelical Christian. It’s simply titled: Jump for Joy. In the work, young Mary is wearing a blue tunic with her hand resting upon her womb. She’s smiling broadly, a radiant girl in her early teens. Just beneath Mary’s heart, the savior of the world is beginning to take shape. The eyes that will one day heal the blind and cure the lame are already marked with fingerprints. Within the blessed virgin, the heart of a king is just beginning to beat.
Mary is in the presence of her older cousin Elizabeth. Wearing a multi colored robe, Elizabeth is portrayed as a beautiful middle aged woman with a glowing countenance. Elizabeth knows that she is in the presence of holiness.
Mary has brought Jesus to her doorstep.
This Advent, as you ponder the story of the visitation, think about the unique roles of these blessed women.
Are you being called to share the gift of Jesus, as Mary did? Perhaps you are healthy and able to serve the Lord in a variety of ways.
If you are in a season of need, your role is equally beautiful. God is inviting you to receive Jesus, with an outstretched heart, as Elizabeth so beautifully reminds.
Remember that God is present in our giving and receiving.
Both actions are equal expressions of faith.
*Because so many people ask us about this beautiful print “Jump for Joy,” here’s the page on Etsy where you can purchase it: ArtByCorby
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