Elizabeth was very old too. And very sad and lonely. She had never had any children of her own.
Her children would have been grown by now. She would also probably have had grandchildren. Her friends had grandchildren who visited them. She was very lonely.
One day a miracle happened. An angel appeared to her husband to tell him they would have a son.
They were supposed to name him John. Elizabeth would try very hard to raise him to be strong like a thunderbolt, even though she was shy.
Six months went by and Elizabeth's baby John grew inside her. One day Elizabeth was surprised by a knock on her front gate.
It was Mary, her very young cousin, who lived at the other end of the country. The angel Gabriel had told both of them they would have miracle babies.
Elizabeth had not gone out and told anyone about her miracle baby. She was too self-conscious. They might laugh at such an old woman having a baby.
But when Mary came, she had to be brave and a good example to Mary. So together they went out where people could see her. Some of Elizabeth's neighbors laughed at her, but most were happy.
Sometimes in the evening Elizabeth and Mary read the Bible together. There were places in it on how children and parents should treat each other.
Even though she was shy, Elizabeth was older and wiser. She explained to Mary how things in the Bible could help them both raise their sons.
Finally Elizabeth had her miracle baby. By this time Mary had been with her for three months. Mary was able to hold the miracle baby. Then Mary went back home.
Do you know an older person who might be lonely for grandchildren? Could you be a grandchild to that person?
If you prentended to be someone's grandchild, in a way you would be kind of like a miracle to them. They would be so happy.