Elizabeth had approximately five or six months of thunder. That’s it. Just a few short months when she was in the spotlight. Her news was “the” news of the day, and all eyes were on her, the priest’s wife whose belly was growing large with promise despite her old age.

But the truth is, not many eyes were on her at all because the Bible says that she actually remained in seclusion most of the time, no doubt relishing the miracle that God had bestowed upon her and soaking in every minute of His divine blessings.

And then, she received word about her relative, Mary.

Just for fun, I want you to picture yourself in Elizabeth’s shoes, hearing the news about Mary for the first time.  Imagine what it might feel like to have your amazing, miraculous experience eclipsed by something so grand and so awesome that it demotes your life to little more than a footnote.

Imagine you and your husband have lived long, obedient lives and are finally pregnant in your old age. Then imagine your young, adolescent, still naïve relative, Mary, also becomes pregnant.

Imagine that your pregnancy is a miracle – you were barren and after years of trying, God Himself finally opened your womb!

Well, her pregnancy is a miracle too.  In fact, it happened without her trying at all.

At least you’re guaranteed a son!

So is Mary.

Well, an angel announced your pregnancy – Gabriel appeared to your husband right in the middle of the temple!

Really?  That’s nothing.  That same angel appeared to Mary AND Joseph announcing her pregnancy.

Well, your son is going to be named John and he’s going to be a great joy and filled with the Holy Spirit! He’ll preach the good news and because of him, people will turn back to God!

Wow, that is good… But your relative, Mary, her son will be named Jesus and, oh yeah, he IS God!

When you look at it side by side like that, you have to face it – Mary stole Elizabeth’s thunder!

But, if you’re still not sure then let me ask you just one question…

When you were young, did you ever dream of playing Elizabeth in a Christmas Pageant?

I didn’t think so.

I can’t help but think that, had I been in Elizabeth’s shoes, I may have felt many things that were not very holy. Envy. Jealousy. Bitterness. Sadness. Anger. Resentment.

Why her? Why now? Why not me instead?

But Elizabeth didn’t feel those things. At least, the Bible doesn’t mention that she did. Instead, when Mary stole her thunder, Elizabeth decided to dance in the rain!

Q: How did you feel when someone stole your thunder? How did you react?