milk & honey mamas

Story contributed by Kristen

Elisabeth 

And so it was that Mary went to see Elisabeth. She traveled over the hills and past the wildflowers until she saw the familiar house in the distance. And when she was close, she called out: “Elisabeth!” And Elisabeth came out to meet her. 

“Mary, my dear Mary!” she cried. “I heard your voice, and so did my baby. When my child heard you call, he leapt within me! He recognized your voice–he knows and I know that you are the mother of God.” And Elisabeth wrapped her arms around Mary, and the women sat down together, and ate, and shared their stories, and rested. 

And after some time, Mary started to write. She wrote and she wrote and she wrote, humming as her pen flew across the page. And then she said, “Elisabeth, will you please sing with me?” And together, the women sang Mary’s song:

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm, he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.

Song

Compiled by Caroline

Magnificat, St. Patrick Orthodox Church Choir

Magnificat, Simon de Voil

Poem

Compiled by Caroline

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. I heard the bells on Christmas day
   Their old familiar carols play,
   And wild and sweet the words repeat
   Of peace on earth, good will to men.
2. I thought how, as the day had come,
   The belfries of all Christendom
   Had rolled along th’unbroken song
   Of peace on earth, good will to men.
3. And in despair I bowed my head:
   “There is no peace on earth,” I said,
   “For hate is strong and mocks the song
   Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
4. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
   “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
   The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
   With peace on earth, good will to men.”
5. Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
   The world revolved from night to day,
   A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
   Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Art

Compiled by Caroline

Activity

Contributed by Kristen

Mary and Elisabeth found peace through faith in God. Light the second candle of advent and choose an activity. See our resources for lots of great ideas!