Jesse Tree Symbol #22: Elizabeth's baptism shell

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Monday, December 21st  — Jesse Tree Symbol #22: Elizabeth
(Just as Sarah from Genesis was blessed with a miraculous child in her old age, Elizabeth—cousin of Mary—was blessed with a miraculous son. Elizabeth and her son, John, were the first to recognize Christ in their midst—even in the womb.)

Luke1:39 – 45 and Mark 1: 1 – 8
*our symbol for Elizabeth is a baptism symbol (a shell)--representing John the Baptist*

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
~Luke 1:41-42
“The Presence of the Lord.” By Christ Stimel
How joyous!  Elizabeth and Mary were cousins, and were both pregnant at the same time.  Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist.  How amazing that her child would become excited to know that the Lord was so near to him. 
And Elizabeth’s pregnancy was miraculous in its own way.  Both she and her husband were well past child-bearing years (much like Abraham and Sarah), but yet they were blessed with a son.  Elizabeth's husband, Zechariah was left unable to speak after seeing the angel Gabriel, who told him of Elizabeth’s impending pregnancy.
Upon the child’s birth, Elizabeth announced he would be named “John.”  This broke tradition as the family assumed the son would be named after his father.  When asked what he thought, Zechariah was able to scribble on a tablet, “his name is John.”  Upon that, Zechariah regained his speech.
What a wonderful story of two pregnancies and of knowing that even an unborn baby was able to react to the presence of our Lord.
In my life, I think back to the first few months at my current job.  As a Cook, I would find myself stressed out, struggling with the tasks, and feeling at odds with my coworkers. But as I would reach out to Jesus in prayer, I could feel His presence comes upon me.  A calmness and serenity seemed to fall over the kitchen. It even seemed my coworkers became more patient and considerate.  And I would know that the Holy Spirit was there.


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Kids Corner

Discussion: 
Talk about what it was like for the family to wait for the arrival of each child. What do you think Elizabeth was feeling/thinking while she was pregnant with John the Baptist? Even before he was born, John the baptist helped his mother to realize that Mary's child (Jesus) was special. What are some reasons for Jesus being a special child? How can we help others to realize these things?

 Activity: Now that we're so close to the end of our Jesse tree, take a minute to review each symbol. What were the stories and why? You can even make a matching game out of it!

 Pray: Jesus, thank you for women like Elizabeth who encourage us in our faith. Thank you for people who help us to believe in you. Amen. 

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