Abiding Together S17 E14 - The Four Places of Advent: Elizabeth's House (Part 3)
In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives.
Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music
Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace, any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here!
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright
Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (especially Marcus Freeman)
And then, we travel to Elizabeth's house, high in the hills. Two women meet, and the air is thick with recognition. Promises leap, joy erupts, and prophecy dances between them.
This is the place of friendship, of shared waiting, of laughter through tears. Because God often comes to us in the embrace of another who believes.
Journal Questions:
- In what places of my life can I allow mystery to breathe and unfold?
- Who can I share the deep places of disappointment with and not feel judged?
- Where do I feel disappointed?
- How can I be a nest for others?
- What promise is leaping within you right now wanting to be recognized?
- Where do I run when God is doing something new in me?
- Who is my Elizabeth?
Discussion Questions:
- When has the Holy Spirit asked you to do something that didn't make sense in the natural world?
- How can we cultivate a home for others within our own hearts?
- Where is the Holy Spirit moving in your life and in other's lives?
- When was the last time you experienced someone speaking prophetically over your life?
Quote to Ponder:
"If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." (Matthew Arnold)
Scripture for Lectio:
"Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45)
Sponsor - Chews Life:
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Chapters:
00:00 Chews Life
01:37 Intro
02:30 Welcome to Elizabeth's House
06:02 The Shared Gift of the Visitation
08:15 Having A Safe Place to Allow Mystery to Unfold
10:08 The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus
12:!5 Sacred Companionship
13:40 When We Carry Disappointments
16:50 Speaking Life Into Other People
18:36 Living Out of Our Insecurities
19:49 Being A Safe Place for Others
22:37 Having Sensitivity to the Presence of God
25:26 One Things
Music used under license i94Cr0