She who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken.

Luke 1:41-45, And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken.”

Mary is called blessed among women, and she is rightly recognized for her faith in believing the promise delivered by the angel. Through her the long promised seed was delivered to a sin sick, crushed and dying world, “the word become flesh who dwelt among us!” Later, Jesus would observe that as blessed as Mary was, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Mary certainly fits this description, for she not only heard the word of God, but bore the word, Jesus into this world. And we who have received him, who believe on his name, he gives the right to become children of God!

We thank you for the blessing of receiving Jesus, the promised seed, the word become flesh who was sent to save his people from their sins!

ESV Lectionary