Discipleship is not a self-improvement program demanding an iron will and remedial behaviour modification. Rather, embracing Jesus as Lord grows us through the careful hearing of his word.
We all must be re-born to see and enter the kingdom of Heaven. This new and eternal life begins with looking upon Jesus, and believing in him for salvation. The life of a believer involves full transformation and commitment-living in the light and in the truth.
We learn from Thomas how firstly, disciples believe when they see, secondly, how other disciples believe by not seeing and thirdly, those who believe by not seeing, believe through reading Gods word.
After centuries of longing to hear God's Word and to experience his promised salvation, God breaks the silence with an angelic announcement that the virgin Mary will conceive a son named Jesus. He will be the Son of God; God's promised Messiah. We are invited into personal reflection on all this means through the lens of Elizabeth and Mary as they enjoy the blessings of God in the form of their unborn sons.