#1412. Luke 1:39-45 - Mary visits Elizabeth (19/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

From Luke 1:39–45, we see that the Holy Spirit’s work produces praise, joy, and encouragement - the fruit of God’s presence overflowing to bless others.

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Luke’s writings — both the Gospel and Acts — emphasise the work of the Holy Spirit. He wants believers to expect God's empowering presence so that we may live as God desires.

Here, at the arrival of Mary (carrying Jesus in her womb), Elizabeth is suddenly “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Whenever the Spirit fills someone in Scripture, something good, life-giving, and God-honouring happens.

1. The filling of the Spirit brings praise

The filling of the Spirit brings forth praise. In Elizabeth's case, she exclaimed, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear…' When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, there is an overflow of praise.

The word “exclaimed” literally means cried out with a strong voice.

We don’t have to shout, but Scripture reminds us that expressive praise is both fitting and good. When we are filled with the Spirit, praise naturally flows from the heart and sometimes overflows the mouth.

2. The filling with the Spirit brings joy

John, even in the womb, recognises the presence of the Messiah.Where Jesus is present and the Spirit is at work, joy rises.Yes, encounters with God can bring awe and trembling (as earlier in Luke 1), but they also bring deep and holy joy - a joy we are right to desire.

True spiritual joy is one of the clearest marks of the Spirit’s filling.

3. The Filling with the Spirit overflows in encouragement

One who is filled with the Spirit praises God and, as in this case, praises and encourages people. Spirit-filled people uplift God and others. Elizabeth is effusive in her encouragement to Mary. A person who is filled with the Spirit will seek to strengthen, encourage, and comfort God's people. God loves His people, and this love is expressed through a Spirit-inspired person.

Response

The filling of the Holy Spirit produces praise, joy, and encouragement.

Do you desire more of these good gifts in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today - and then again throughout the day. Invite Him to stir praise in your heart, kindle joy in your soul, and overflow through you to encourage and uplift others.

Let’s never forget that Just as Mary carried the presence of Jesus with her into Elizabeth’ home, we also, by the Sprit, carry the presence of Jesus with us - may we be filled with joy and bring joy to many. 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we continue in our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 1:76–80, was Prepare the Way.

In Zechariah’s prophecy regarding his unborn son, we see that John was born to prepare the way for Jesus, and the church continues to prepare the way for Jesus. 

Please read Luke 1:76-80 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• From this text, what do we learn about John’s ministry? And how does this inform the church's mission?

• What do we learn about our message?

• How was John prepared by God, and how is God preparing you right now?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.