Celebrating Mothers

Celebrating Mothers

The Story of Mary and Elizabeth

In the book of Luke, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to inform Mary that she would conceive and bear a child, the Lord Jesus Christ: “And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:35).

This miraculous proclamation disclosed God’s plan to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world through the virgin Mary. It also reveals the gift of motherhood for two women in very different circumstances: Mary was a virgin and would conceive by the Holy Sprit and Elizabeth was barren and at an advanced age. ASuch extraordinary circumstances brought great joy and blessings to each woman. The Bible tells us, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3 NLT).

My focus for this remarkable time in history is the interaction between Mary & Elisabeth. Once Mary learned that Elizabeth was pregnant, Luke tells us, “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth” (Luke 1:39,40). Mary rushed to share in the good news that Elizabeth, who was barren, had received this wonderful gift from God. She wasn’t jealour that Elizabeth had also conceived a child or felt that Elizabeth should be the one to visit her, since she was going to bear the Son of God. No, she was motivated to encourage and build up Elizabeth. The Apostle Paul teaches us to “encourage and build up one another” (1 Thess. 5:11). There was no competition. Rather, I imagine Mary was elated for Elizabeth and there was genuine love and support between them, because when Mary arrived Elizabeth rejoiced. “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” (Luke 1:41-43).  What a sentiment of humility. Elizabeth believed she should be the one visiting Mary. She wondered why Mary came to see her, since she was going to be the “mother of my Lord.”

In honor of Mother’s day, I immediately thought of this story. Two women sharing in the gift of motherhood by encouraging and building up one another during a very monumental time in their lives. Elizabeth was experiencing becoming a mother at an advanced age. Mary, although excited about the news that she was going to bear the Son of God, may have been concerned about what people would think and say. But together they could share their feelings and fears. Together they could encourage one another as they experienced the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy. Mary and Elizabeth were a gift to one another. The love and camaraderie. The excitement of motherhood and the shared preparations to welcome a new baby.

Not only did Mary go for a supportive and celebratory visit, she stayed three months. Talk about being there for someone during their time of need. The Bible doesn’t say, but Mary may have been there when Elizabeth bore her son. Regardless, Mary demonstrated how important it was for her to take time to be there for Elizabeth. As well, Mary may have needed support and encouragement as she processed her miraculous pregnancy.

There is always someone in our life, church, and community we can encourage and build up: a sister-in-Christ  experiencing sickness or divorce, a new empty-nester dealing with the adjustment of a child leaving home or a widow without family support. Not every woman has a mother she can call. Not every woman has a friend that checks on her to make sure her spirit is uplifted. Mary didn’t stay in the comforts of her home while pregnant. She went to be with a fellow sister. No, we can’t stay three months, but we can call, visit, or have lunch to make a difference in someone’s life. Elizabeth had Mary. Paul had Silas. Who will you serve?

As we celebrate Mother's day, I offer a heartfelt praise to all mothers—birth mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and those who embody a motherly role. I thank God for the divine opportunity given to each of us to participate in the creation of life and the nurturing of His children. While Mother's Day may hold mixed emotions for some, I hope you experience joy in your special day. Following the well-deserved gifts and celebrations, let us, like Mary, go with haste to encourage and buildup one another..

There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood.

Elder M. Russell Ballard