Luke 1.39-56

Cousins often share a special relationship.
I love the story of Elizabeth and Mary.  As cousins, they share family joy and fear. Elizabeth shares in the gift of prophecy with her son: Jesus is here; jump for joy.
Remember how tenuous Mary's situation is.  She leaves her village for a reason. Think of how odd Elizabeth appears to her neighbors.
God has put them together to share in salvations promise.

Luke 1.26-38

In this week's scripture, Mary learns that she will give birth to the Son of God and that her cousin will unexpectedly give birth. Mary's story is the story of society's most vulnerable.  Jesus is not born into the wealthiest family or to Nazareth's most experienced parents.  God did not send Jesus to the community with the best schools or to an earthly father who was anything other than a distant relative of David.
Luke describes Mary as someone on whom God has looked with favor.  God's favor comes to us not as something we deserve.  God's favor is grace.  And Mary is humble, God's servant. Mary steps up to fulfill history.
"For nothing will be impossible with God."