Lucas 1:36-37

“And behold, Elisabeth your kinswoman, she also has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For no word from God shall be void of power.”

The angel then refers to the birth of Elisabeth’s son. The news was probably no surprise to Mary, and the angel was not simply trying to impart information. He was rather connecting the significance of the two births. He points out that Elisabeth has had a miracle baby in her old age, and was now in her sixth month, just as God had promised through His word spoken through Gabriel himself. That word had proved its power, it had been effective, demonstrating that no word of God was devoid of power. Mary too therefore could be sure that His word spoken to her would be just as effective. His word to her too was not devoid of power.

But we may also see in these words the gentle compassion of God, and of Gabriel. For here was a hint to her of where she could turn in the tumult that would no doubt engulf her. It was a huge task that was being put on such a young girl. But she was reminded here that there was a near relative of hers who was also experiencing a huge change in her life. If she wished she could seek her out.