As Mary went through the thorn forest.

As Mary was returning from her visit to Elizabeth, bearing Jesus beneath her heart, she had to pass through a forest of thorns that for seven long years had borne no leaves. For a moment she hesitated to go on in the fading twilight. But then she thought of the Son of the Almighty in her womb and of Joseph, who was waiting for her. So she stepped forward into the dark thicket - which was suddenly bathed in golden light…"And as she bore the Babe through the forest, so the thorns brought forth roses."