In this daily Bible reading is the account of the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and telling Mary that God favored her. God had chosen Mary to be the human mother of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son. Mary would be impregnated by God’s Holy Spirit, so Jesus would be free of a sinful nature. Mary believed the angel, and she became pregnant with Jesus.
The angel also told Mary that Mary’s relative Elizabeth was six months pregnant. So, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. When Mary entered Elizabeth’s home the baby within Elizabeth leaped for joy. Elizabeth was aware that Mary was pregnant with Jesus. Elizabeth proclaimed to Mary, “Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. It is possible that Mary helped to deliver John the Baptist, who would prepare people for Jesus’ ministry.
