There were at least three unexpected personalities who joyously received the incarnate baby Jesus into the world.
Women Top the List
Jesus did not consider it an ignominy to be born of the womb of a single virgin mother named Mary. The Holy Spirit enabled her to conceive in a miraculous manner with no man involved in the process. Around the same time there was Elizabeth, a barren woman more advanced in years. She was the wife of Zechariah, the priest. God blessed this senior couple by enabling Elizabeth to conceive. Both of these women could not come in public. Fear of the society gripped them. Elizabeth hid herself for five months in her house (Luke 1:24). Mary could not face the society as well. She was a prime target to be stoned to death as per law pertaining to a virgin conceiving. (Deuteronomy 22:20-21)
Now it was a neat idea from God to make these women of ignominy, who were relatives as well, to meet and find comfort in one another. (Luke 1:39-45) When they both met, they did not cry and panic. They were Godly women of their times. Their fear changed to a bold faith. They joyously greeted one another filled with the Holy Spirit. The meeting of these women exemplifies inter-generational solidarity which is the need of the hour today. There is wisdom in both generations. What a blend! What a blessing!!
An Unsung Young Hero
With these two women there was the foetus, John who leaped in joy from inside of Elizabeth’s womb welcoming the other foetus, the incarnate Jesus. Interestingly Luke mentions John as a baby and not a foetus. (Luke 1:41,44) Luke, as a medical doctor knew the sanctity of life. John was also filled with the Holy Spirit when he was a foetus. Did not David say, “Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.” (Psalm 139:16) Let us keep in mind that a foetus can leap in joy and a foetus is pained otherwise.
Are we welcoming Jesus gladly into our hearts and homes? God honoured women of ignominy, both Mary and Elzabeth. Their children became popular and famous. How is our attitude to such women? Are foetuses cared for? Every foetus is a personality. Let us bring about a change in our society by honouring the neglected among us. Happy Advent!
