“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:” (Luke 1:39-41).

The Angel Gabriel announces the miracle of the virgin birth to Mary. He explains how this will happen and why it would happen (Luke 1:30-35). He explains that her cousin Elisabeth is also expecting a baby in her old age and that she was in her sixth month (Luke 1:36). Mary instantly obeys and says YES to the will of the Lord (Luke 1:38).

And now she leaves town to go and be with her beloved cousin. Think of what happens. Conception has just taken place in Mary’s life. She enters the house of Zacharias and Elisabeth, and immediately it came to pass. Pre-born John responds to the presence of the pre-born Son of God and leaps in Elisabeth’s womb. What a response! He was leaping in the presence of the One Who would become his Savior.

As you are on your way today: Be assured that life begins at conception. Be assured that our Savior is incredible. Be assured that we too should be filled with joy at the presence of Christ in our lives.