While there are numerous men and women in the Bible who have been highly extolled for their faithfulness and righteousness , there are some unsung heroes and heroines whose lives are equally significant yet are not acknowledged as great eminent personalities. Their life imparts excellent life lessons and serves as a model. This year’s meditations will highlight some of these hidden stalwarts whose lives are not prominently projected across the canopy of Biblical scenario.

Since we are just a few days past Christmas, it is relevant that we focus on a Christmas character. Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah the priest is not given a very prominent place in the array of women of the Bible. Yet, her life is praise-worthy, commendable and worthy of emulation.

When Mary received her divine assignment, it may not have been easy for her to accept that. Yet, she received the word of God and allowed that to work a miracle within her. The initial impact of the message and the consequent development must have caused some disturbance within her. The only place of comfort she could think of was the house of Elizabeth. When we are in need of solace, we rush to those who would willingly receive us. As children of God do we offer this comfort to those who need a shoulder to cry on? Can we keep a secret? Can others who are burdened seek us in times of distress? It is common to find people who promise help yet broadcast to the whole world the unpleasant things we trusted them with. Elizabeth was a person who offered comfort and encouragement at a time when Mary needed them most.

When Mary reached Elizabeth’s house, Elizabeth not only received Mary but also spoke words of affirmation which must have confirmed the divine announcement. She sang, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear. But why am I so favoured that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished” Her words would have surely dispelled the dark clouds of doubt and despair that must have threatened to settle on Mary’s soul. Do we speak words that bring hope and life into others? We are called to build people with our words and actions.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and returned. This period must have been a time of great importance in Mary’s life. Our association with people may last for a long period or a short period. How do we impact them? People come into our life for certain reasons. Can they carry good memories of our association with them?

The New year may open us new vistas of relationships. Let us remember the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. All was not well with Elizabeth either but she was righteous all along. She was barren first and later had to carry a child in her old age. Both were not covetable positions. Yet she was a person of good traits ready to accept and encourage Mary.May this new year bring to us challenges that will mould us and make us mature children of God. Blessed New Year

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh