In many ways Mary’s surprise pregnancy was not welcome news. Though she had accepted God’s will, it must have been puzzling. God’s way of working in her life was rather shocking and scandalous in the society she lived in. Though she would be called “blessed,” Mary probably did not enjoy much support from her local community at the time.

How do we find space to process what God is doing in the hard situations of life?

Mary wisely sought out the counsel of her relative Elizabeth, who was also pregnant through a miracle of God’s grace. The journey there would not have been easy, taking Mary about a week during a time in her pregnancy when she might have been very tired. But Mary likely sensed in Elizabeth a kindred spirit who could help her think through the surprising things God was doing in their lives.

Christmas can encourage us to seek out godly wisdom as well. Maybe we are in a difficult, unexpected situation. Maybe we feel abandoned or even shunned by a community we thought would support and encourage us.

Who are the people who can help us trust in God’s promises even amid such puzzling, challenging times?

Alternatively, how can we be a friend who points out God’s work to others?