Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
In our society, there are many different types of speech: casual conversations, sermons, lectures, stump speeches, and more. But there is a type of speech found in Scripture that is largely neglected in the modern world. And I believe we are worse for it.
Luke’s Christmas story features several examples of this unique way of speaking known as blessings or benedictions. The word “benediction” comes from Latin: “bene” (good) and “dicere” (to say) — meaning “good word.” It is markedly different from a simple compliment. A benediction is a good word infused with godliness.
It is something the preacher does at the end of every service. And when we say them, we do so with a clear-eyed focus that we want nothing less for those gathered than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, than the amazing fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the profound love of God. Our benedictions are drawn from Scripture and so they not only express what is in my heart, and Caroline’s heart, and Adam’s heart, but what is in the heart of God.
Offering the benediction is one of the greatest privileges that we have. In reciting these words, I can feel God expanding my own heart. As we look out on the congregation, we see people filled with great joy and deep sorrow — people who are just growing their families and others who have had them shattered. But in reciting these scriptural benedictions, we realize that God knows the heart of each person who hears it.
But this is where we fail, for by no means are benedictions meant only to come from pastors. This morning we shall explore how Elizabeth offers a benediction to Mary as a template so that all of you would feel equipped to offer blessings for others. A Christmas gift that you can give, perhaps unlike any other.
As a reminder, Elizabeth is expecting John, the forerunner of the Messiah. Upon greeting her cousin Mary, she offers a good word to capture the power of the moment.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Clearly, Elizabeth had some divine insight when Mary arrived, for a child moving in a mother's womb is an everyday occurrence for an expectant mother. But Elizabeth senses something more.
This encounter becomes something greater than the meeting of two cousins: something greater than the meeting of two expectant mothers. It shapes the encounter into a holy moment.
The fact that Elizabeth translated a kick in the gut as a transcendent moment is the first step to being able to offer a benediction. We must cultivate our ability to see the presence of God in the world.
By the way, this is why hateful speech can be so damaging. Because rather than recognizing God within a person, you are essentially saying the opposite; that you see evil and weakness.
The different parts of Elizabeth’s blessing each serve to enrich her gift to Mary.
“Blessed are you among women”
Elizabeth’s first words acknowledge that God has looked upon Mary with divine favor, that she has special status. It would help put Mary at ease, assuring her that her previous vision of an angel wasn’t a delusion, and that her cousin believes in her.
“And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?”
Elizabeth is letting Mary know that simply being in her presence is a gift. This was my personal experience with several of my professors in seminary. One in particular, J. Christian Becker, was an irascible sort who surprisingly used a lot of four-letter words in his lectures. He was not what one might call refined or “holy” in appearance. But as I reflect on his power to open the depths of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, I realize I count myself as extremely lucky to have had the chance to hear him. I wish I had thought to tell him as much. Don’t miss those moments to let others know that you are blessed simply by knowing them.
“Blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
This moves us into one of the most unique and powerful aspects of benedictions. Elizabeth is telling Mary about her future. She’s expressing a confidence that Mary will bring this child into the world and that this child will be a source of enrichment for the world. By using the word “blessed,” she’s declaring that this is not happenstance but part of God’s design; that God has a plan for Mary’s future that will bring life to others.
“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
At this point Elizabeth has moved from talking about God’s goodness and her own personal joy, to Mary. This final piece is crucial. She is observing the unique character and strength of Mary. These words expressed confidence not only in God but in her young cousin who was about to bear child out of wedlock, at such a young age, with such a huge responsibility. These words would have given Mary confidence that she was up to the task. She’s recognizing Mary’s trust is a key strength to what will take place.
One friend of mine had a gargantuan task to help bring a sense of peace to his extended family after the tragic loss of his young niece. But he remembered some words that were offered to him by his colleague. This is what he told me, “Hebrews 13:5 promises, 'I will never leave or forsake you.' I am stamping this on my heart and claiming this promise for you! I have been praying for you and you are all prayed up.”
Then came the point in the service when he had to speak. He simply did not think he could go through with it.
“…Right before the service I teared up. …didn’t think I could do it. Then I remembered the text and I thought, yes, I could do it.”
When his friend wrote, “You are all prayed up,” she was essentially saying, “I know you can do this. I know you are going to do it. You are going to be the gift your family needs.” Her belief not only in God but in him gave him confidence to face one of the hardest things in his life that brought hope to his whole family.
The benediction not only realizes that God’s future will come to pass but that that individual will play a part in it and they will need strength of character to do so.
Giving someone a benediction or a blessing may sound a bit daunting at first. But it’s surprising how meaningful just a handful of words can be. It’s not uncommon in the South, when you’re going through the McDonald’s drive-through, for the cashier to tell you to, “Have a blessed day.” And there are moments when you realize that they truly mean it. And it means something—it truly does. But you don’t have to use the word “blessed.” I remember at a restaurant one mother was doing an especially excellent job with three very young children. Near the end of the meal a stranger walked up to her and said you are an amazing mother. It was obvious to everyone how incredibly patient, wise, and loving she was with her children. And not to mention somewhat exasperated. But when that stranger offered those words, you could see in her weary face an exceeding joy.
Elizabeth knew such joy in meeting Mary. And wanted to give her this special gift, for perhaps she knew that the years ahead we’re not going to be kind to Mary or her child.
Jesus’ friends from His hometown would reject Him.
He would have difficulty relating to his own family.
His people would not accept them.
And one day, Mary would face the greatest heartbreak that any mother could possibly confront—the death of her son.
Elizabeth was giving Mary a crucial gift in this benediction, the gift of courage. In recognizing Mary’s ability to trust that a miraculous child was going to be born to her, she was also saying that she was going to have the strength of character to see this journey all the way to its conclusion. For the blessing of us all. Amen
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