When Mary, mother of God, visits her cousin while they are both improbably pregnant, Elizabeth declares that Mary is blessed. That she is “blessed among women” implies that hers is a greatest of blessings.

I can imagine a whole lot of women today and throughout history would be less than eager to have such a lofty position if carrying the Messiah for ninth months, only to famously give birth away from home were the cost of such respect and honor.

Perhaps it is that word, blessed—and our vision of it is as great, happy even. Not just privilege or specialness, but something joyful and beneficial.

Blessing is often seen as wealth and abundance rather than bearing responsibility. But there is joy in that, too, isn’t there? In being chosen for an important job, not just a fun one. And in preparing the way for the Messiah, in all of his work. It is easy to see this as important. But the blessing and joy are often there, too; for the finding.