God’s Work Through Our Relationships
Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Erica Andersen
Scripture: Luke 1:39-55
The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth in Luke 1 is a profound moment of mutual encouragement and shared joy. Both women are experiencing the miraculous—the coming of Jesus and the birth of John the Baptist—and their time together is filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth’s joyful proclamation and Mary’s Magnificat remind us that the Christian life is made complete through relationships that glorify God and nurture one another in faith.
We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Mary and Elizabeth’s story shows the beauty of encouragement: recognizing God’s work in one another and strengthening each other to fulfill his calling. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we are called to relationships rooted in faith—mentors who guide us and friends who walk alongside us, reminding us of God’s presence and purpose.
This season is a perfect time to reflect on our role in the body of Christ. Who are the “Elizabeths” in your life, offering wisdom and encouragement? Who are the “Marys” you can uplift as they follow God’s call? As Mary nurtured the physical body of Christ, the church nurtures us—the body of Christ on earth—so that we may grow in faith and magnify his image in our lives.
Let us give thanks for the relationships that strengthen our faith and consider how we can share that encouragement with others. Together, we can magnify the Lord and glorify his work in the world.
Reflection Questions:
Who has been an “Elizabeth” in your life, encouraging and affirming God’s work in you?
How can you be a “Mary” for someone else, offering support and companionship in their faith journey?
What relationships in your life reflect the mutual encouragement seen between Mary and Elizabeth?
How does the image of the church as a nurturing mother shape your understanding of its role in your faith?
Who are the mentors or disciples in your life, and how can you nurture those relationships to reflect the body of Christ?
