Mary arose and went with haste

Staying here in London for the Advent and Christmas seasons, with our daughter and her young family, has given me a deeper understanding of ‘going with haste’ as in this week’s Gospel Luke 1:39-45 ‘Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah’. So often we have to arise and move with the same alacrity to catch a train. I wonder if Mary had to catch a caravan.

I understand Mary’s response to the news of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy as that of a desire to serve, a concern for her mature years and her first pregnancy. I remember when our daughter was pregnant with her first child, how Sandee arose, in the Caribbean, and went with haste to London to be with her. Like Mary she braved the social and physical environments to be with her. For Sandee, it was the onset of the Covid pandemic.

That desire to serve stems from a deep concern and love for the other. It pushes previous plans to the side and prioritizes the immediate needs of someone dear to us. Reflecting on Sandee’s actions and Mary’s journey, I see a profound parallel in their willingness to set aside plans, comfort and convenience for the sake of others.

It is a love that responds swiftly, unhesitatingly, and without counting the cost. This Advent, being here with our daughter and her family reminds me that such acts of love and service, whether across continents or within our homes, embody the true spirit of the season—a readiness to go with haste when love calls.

This sentiment of haste is also reflective of the immanence of the arrival of the Christ Child. We do not have much time left to prepare to welcome the infant Jesus into our hearts and homes. To who do we have to arise and make haste to visit before the arrival of the Christ Child? Who are the Elizabeths in our life that need our service?

The Elizabeths in our lives may be those who are lonely, burdened, or in need of encouragement—family members, friends, or neighbors longing for a simple act of kindness or connection. As Mary set out with love and urgency to visit her cousin Elizabeth, bringing both physical help and the joy of Christ, we too are called to recognize those who need us to show up in their lives.

These last few days of Advent, let us arise with purpose and make haste to visit, serve, and uplift the Elizabeths around us, bearing the light of Christ in our words and actions. In doing so, we prepare not only our own hearts but also help prepare theirs to welcome the Christ Child.