“Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” (Luke 1:41-43 NIV)
Jesus’ advent on earth was a great miracle, yet at the same time it went largely unnoticed. People saw a pregnant young woman; later, they saw a newlywed couple with a baby. To bystanders, there was no way of knowing that this was a very special Child.
But God Himself drew people’s attention to Jesus’ birth. Angels announced the news to a group of shepherds. A special star caught the attention of some wise men from the East. And the Holy Spirit informed both Elizabeth and Simeon.
During her pregnancy, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. Through the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognized in her “the mother of my Lord.” What a special confirmation that must have been for both women!
After Jesus’ birth, His parents brought Him to the temple, as prescribed by Jewish law. There they met Simeon. In Luke 2:26 (NIV) we read: “ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” When the time finally came, the Spirit led him to the temple and showed him who this Child was. Filled with joy, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God.
The Holy Spirit showed these people what others did not see. To what extent do you think that still happens today? Have you experienced it yourself?