By now, my little friend, you have no doubt learned to get along by yourself. —Joyfully keep Joseph and Mary company… and you will hear the traditions of the House of David:

You will hear of Elizabeth and Zachary, you will be moved by Joseph's pure love, and your heart will pound whenever there is mention of the Child who will be born in Bethlehem…

We walk in haste towards the mountains, to a town of the tribe of Judah (Luke 1:39).

We arrive. —It is the house where John the Baptist is to be born. —Elizabeth gratefully hails the Mother of her Redeemer: Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! —How have I deserved to be thus visited by the Mother of my Lord? (Luke 1:42-43)

The unborn Baptist quivers… (Luke 1:41) —Mary's humility pours forth in the Magnificat… —And you and I, who are proud —who were proud—, promise to be humble.