Our Covenant Family

by Meredith Woolwine

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:41

I’ve always loved imagining this sweet scene of Mary and Elizabeth before the birth of their boys, Jesus and John. Mary entering Elizabeth’s home and Elizabeth excitedly shouting, “Mary, my baby boy leaped!”—Both of them smiling together, dreaming up what these boys may be one day, knowing that God had blessed each of them with a miraculous child, and through Jesus had brought them together.

In the first chapter of his gospel, Luke highlights the blessings of covenant life. Mary is not alone and neither is Elizabeth. Jesus had brought them together. We see both women singing praises to God, sharing in one another’s joy. Elizabeth says, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (v.42). Mary sings a song of praise to God: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (v. 46-47). Mary then stays with Elizabeth in her home for three months (v. 56). I can only imagine the amount of lifting, cooking and cleaning that these two women shared with their bellies growing and backs aching. 

As believers we too have been brought together by Jesus. We have the blessing of sharing life with one another, just like Mary and Elizabeth. Even in the celebration of births, we vow, as a covenant community, to assist the parents in the raising of their child, “giving all love and support wherever needed.” It doesn’t stop there. Like Mary, we can show up. Like Elizabeth, we can host. We can bring meals in challenging times, disciple our younger ones in Gospel Kids, or simply be a listening ear. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we can enjoy the blessings of belonging together. So, let’s show up. Let’s serve. Let’s share in both the joys and sorrows of life’s unique seasons, because Jesus has brought us into his covenant family.