Seeking Sanctuary (Love)
Luke 1:39-55 | Luke 1:46b-55
Read: This is what happened after Mary found out she was pregnant with Jesus:
“Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the mountains of Judea. She went to Zechariah’s
house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside
Elizabeth jumped. Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
—Luke 3:39-41 (ICB)
Wonder: I wonder why Mary needed to go stay with her cousin Elizabeth. I wonder if she
felt safe at Elizabeth’s house. I wonder if Elizabeth needed Mary like Mary needed Elizabeth.
I wonder if Mary felt like Elizabeth knew what she was going through, since they were both
pregnant. I wonder if there are places where you feel safe and understood.
Say: The good news is that we have a safe place with God, and we can be a safe place for other
people when we listen to what they need and take care of them like Elizabeth did for Mary.
Pray: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for the places where we are safe, cared for, and
understood. Watch over the people who aren’t in a safe place right now, and help us to be
that safe place for others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Extend:
- Read What Is God Like? by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Illustrated by Ying
Hui Tan. United States: Convergent Books, 2021.
- Make a card for someone who makes you feel safe. Tell them how you feel when you are
together.
- Check in on a friend. Listen to what is on their mind.
- Learn more about the lives of people and animals living in shelters. Find out what
organizations offer shelters in your community and learn more about how you can help.