Hope had filled the heart of this young Jewish girl. Hope seemingly inspires her to take a journey to hill country of Judea. What she had heard stirred a desire in her to visit her friend, Elisabeth. You see Elisabeth has some big news. But the angel of the Lord had already revealed to Mary that not only is Elisabeth pregnant but that she also will conceive. When Mary arrived and saluted Elisabeth, what they didn't realize was someone else was listening, and at this powerful message of hope caused something that still amazes people today. The small baby in Elisabeth's womb begins to leap! to leap!! to leap!!! Was it just that the baby kicked or was it indigestion. Was it just a movement by the baby? No! The Greek word skirtao is used and it simply means leap or leap for joy. This revival of hope continues as these two women begin to tell about all the wonderful things that God has in store. Can you find hope today in Jesus that causes you to leap with joy. If you need hope look no further than the songs of praise in the first two chapters of Luke. Mary's song of praise (1:46-55), Zechariah's prophecy of praise (1:67-79), the Angels declaration of Praise (2:10-14), Simeons prayer of praise (2:28-32). All of this fueled by Hope! You need some hope today? Start praising God...for this causes hope to flourish. We all need hope for the future. Mary displays this well in Luke 1:54-55. Listen for the Holy Spirit to stir hope in you as you read these song lyrics below-

 

“When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see, ’Twill be my joy through the ages To sing of his love for me.” (from the song ,"I stand Amazed in the Presence")

 

“Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.” (from the song, "Abide with Me")

 

“O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; Even so, it is well with my soul.” (from the song," It is Well with My Soul")

 

"Which Hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast..." Hebrews 6:19

 

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13