The truism “comparison is the thief of joy” makes itself plain during the holidays. Kids are quick to size up each other’s piles of presents but they’re not the only ones ranking the celebrations. Parents fret over gift budgets and wonder if they’ve done enough to make the season feel special to their children. Hosts fear that their Christmas dinner falls short of years past.
As true as it is that comparison threatens to steal delight, writer Dorothy Bennett finds a contrast in Scripture that offers us the opposite experience. In looking at the similarities and differences between Mary and Elizabeth, she identifies a common thread that weaves through their diverging stories.
Bennett notes that, when Mary visited Elizabeth, the two women must have thought about the fact that while “Elizabeth’s disgrace among her people was taken away in pregnancy; Mary’s began in pregnancy. Elizabeth’s son was given through the institution of marriage; Mary’s was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”
In the world’s eyes, Elizabeth had every reason to be proud while Mary had every reason to be ashamed. But what the two women lacked in similarity of situation, they more than made up for in willingness to worship amidst bizarre circumstances. They trusted God’s goodness and his plan for each of them—and each of their babies—in his kingdom.
As we make our way into Christmas weekend, may we do so with hearts like theirs, ready to forego discouragement over differences and eager to celebrate the coming Christ who is for all.
