Advent Reflection: WHO ARE YOU ELIZABETH TO?
11/12/2012
There is a lovely little passage of Scripture tucked away in the nativity story (Luke 1: 39-45). Between the moment when Mary is visited by an angel, soon finding herself pregnant, and her Magnificat she runs for cover. In the aftermath of this incredible experience with God, as she is attempting to clarify the vision she has been given about her place in the salvation of the world and all the other doubting, cynical and suspicious voices around her, she runs for the hills. Her refuge is in the hillside where she finds a welcome and someone who shares her vision, understands her miracle and confirms her belief. Elizabeth, her cousin, has also got tied up in God’s story and it is Elizabeth who steels Mary’s commitment and it seems no coincidence that after her time with Elizabeth that Mary utters her great hymn of praise to and hope for social justice of the Kingdom of God.
There can only be one Mary in the salvation plan but all of us can be an Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the quiet strength in the story. She humbles herself to play her part. She has her soul tuned into God and when
the lead player arrives she is able to confirm the God’s radical will and give confidence to the vision. When the world is shaking our faith with voices that seem to make God’s vision insane who do we turn to. When the prophets around us are coming under criticism and having their souls bruised by naysayers and begrudgers, who can they run to. We can all be Elizabeths.
WHERE DO YOU RUN TO? (WHO ARE YOU ELIZABETH TO?)
Where do you run
In the madness of this vision
When reality is dawning
At the cost of your decision
When the family turns
No one understands
Where do you run
For the welcome hand
Who is your Elizabeth
And who are you Elizabeth too
When the world is closing in
On what you know is true.
Will we be the hillside
The candle in the door
Lighting up the journey
To so much more
Will we be the shelter
In the doubting gale
A calm to all the clamour
And hear what’s real
Some take the lead
The hit and the glory
Some are unknown
The spine of the story
She humbled her soul
And tuned her heart
To hold it together
To play her part.
Who is your Elizabeth
And who are you Elizabeth too
When the world is closing in
On what you know is true.
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