I just want the contraption to get me where I’m going. I’m not impressed with how much horsepower one packs under the hood or the size of the tires. I don’t like things I can’t control, which is probably why I don’t get excited over cars. Didn’t come as a surprise, did it? I like to know what I’m doing and where I’m going and how I’m going to get there. Our scripture tells of the two mothers, Elizabeth, and Mary, giving thanks to God. Today, we’re stepping back, to when John and Jesus were still in the womb. The last of the prophets of the old age, John points the way to Jesus, the one who ushers this new age. The last two Sundays, we explored John the Baptist. God’s promises are about to be fulfilled. And after Jesus’ birth, angels gather as a chorus. And then Mary, pregnant with Jesus, joins the song. Joining in his heart’s song is his pregnant wife, Elizabeth. Old Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, was at a loss for words. I imaged them singing a song of thanksgiving. Spring was on its way and the birds had made their trip back from their winter home. When I lived in Michigan, there was always a time, generally in March, that I’d wake to birds singing while it was still dark. Will we want to participate? Before the reading of Scripture Instead, God is doing something incredibly new in the world. Jesus doesn’t just come to provide for about individual salvation. But what does Jesus’ coming mean? What will his return be like? Today, we hear from his mom. This week, we’ll celebrate the birth of Jesus.