As an expert in biblical studies, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the events that transpired when Mary visited Elizabeth. The narrative is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, which is the only one of the four Gospels that includes this particular account.
When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, it was a significant moment in the biblical narrative, as it marked the meeting of two pivotal figures in the story of Jesus Christ. The visit is described in Luke 1:39-56, and it is known as the "Visitation." Here is a detailed account of the events, with key phrases highlighted in red:

1. Mary's Journey: After the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel informed Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Mary left Nazareth immediately and traveled **into the hill country...into a city of Judah** to visit her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39).

2. Elizabeth's Condition: At the time of Mary's visit, Elizabeth was in the sixth month of her pregnancy (Luke 1:36). This was a miraculous pregnancy, as Elizabeth was considered past childbearing age, and her pregnancy was seen as a sign from God.

3. Greeting and Recognition: Upon entering Elizabeth's home, Mary greeted her. In response, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized the divine presence within Mary. Elizabeth exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42).

4. Mary's Response: Mary, filled with humility and reverence, responded with the "Magnificat," a canticle that is now part of the Christian liturgy. She said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant" (Luke 1:46-47).

5. Stay and Impact: Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:56). During this time, it is believed that she was present for the birth of John the Baptist, Elizabeth's son, who would later become a significant figure in the story of Jesus, preparing the way for the Messiah.

6. Spiritual Significance: The visitation is not only a physical meeting but also a spiritual one. It symbolizes the connection between the mother of the Messiah and the mother of the one who would prepare his way. It also highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the beginning of the New Testament era.
7.
Return to Nazareth: After the birth of John the Baptist and her stay with Elizabeth, Mary returned to Nazareth to continue her own pregnancy under the watchful care of her fiancé, Joseph.
The visitation is a beautiful and profound moment in the Christian narrative, illustrating themes of humility, divine intervention, and the interconnectedness of the lives of these two women in the grand scheme of salvation history. It is a story that continues to inspire and resonate with believers to this day.

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Mary left Nazareth immediately after the Annunciation and went "into the hill country...into a city of Judah" (Luke 1:39) to attend to her cousin (Luke 1:36) Elizabeth. ... Elizabeth was in the sixth month before Mary came (Luke 1:36). Mary stayed three months, and most scholars hold she stayed for the birth of John.read more >>