“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,” Luke 1:26. God sent Gabriel to Mary during Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy. He didn’t send Gabriel in Elizabeth’s fifth month, or the seventh, but during the sixth. This detail does not appear to add much to the record, but God still included it. Elizabeth had went into seclusion for five months while pregnant, and Mary came to her during her sixth month. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. God included these details for a reason. The specific reason I do not know, I would have to do deeper study to find out if there is more to it. I think one thing that God wants us to get from this part of the Christmas account is that He pays attention to the timing. God timed everything the way He wanted it. He cares about that detail. We often ask God why He hasn’t fixed the problem or provided for a need yet, and it is often because of timing. God wanted to make sure that Mary spent just the right amount of time with Elizabeth. God also timed Mary’s pregnancy so that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy of old. If she had became pregnant a month sooner or later, then Jesus would likely not have been born during her and Joseph’s trip for the census. God could have sent her to Bethlehem any time, but He knew that the census would happen, and so He used it in His plan. God used careful timing in the events surrounding the birth of His Son, and now He uses careful timing for His Children in Christ as well. We have to learn to trust Him. If anyone could have doubted God’s plan, it was Mary. She was from Nazareth, some small town that most people wouldn’t go to. She wasn’t even married yet. Yet, she followed God’s will, and because she was a willing vessel God used her. His timing was clearly not her timing, but, He provided what she needed. He brought her through, and He will do the same today for us. God Bless!
