The Women of Christmas

1. The Women of Christmas: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna

Never doubt for a moment that women matter to the Almighty.

Three extraordinary women played vital roles in the Christmas story: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Each demonstrated remarkable faith, obedience, and devotion to God. Elizabeth, an older woman who had been barren, became the mother of John the Baptist. Mary, a young virgin, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Anna, an elderly widow, dedicated her life to worshiping in the temple and proclaimed the arrival of the Messiah.

These women exemplify different seasons of life and faith:

• Elizabeth: perseverance through disappointment
• Mary: youthful obedience and trust
• Anna: lifelong dedication and wisdom

Their stories remind us that God values and uses women of all ages and backgrounds to accomplish His purposes.

2. Elizabeth's Faithfulness Amidst Barrenness

Even with all their goodness and righteousness, sadness had crept into their home.

Trusting God through trials. Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were righteous and blameless, yet they remained childless well into their old age. This was a source of great sorrow and social stigma in their culture. Despite their disappointment, they continued to serve God faithfully.

Elizabeth's story teaches us:

• God's timing is perfect, even when we don't understand it
• Faithfulness in difficult circumstances can lead to unexpected blessings
• Our worth is not determined by our ability to bear children or meet societal expectations

When God finally answered their prayers with the miraculous conception of John the Baptist, Elizabeth responded with joy and praise, recognizing God's goodness and mercy in her life.

3. Mary's Humble Obedience to God's Call

Mary was unique among womankind, yet she pointed the way for each of us.

Saying yes to God's plan. Mary's response to the angel Gabriel's announcement demonstrates extraordinary faith and obedience. As a young, unmarried woman, she faced potential disgrace and danger by accepting God's call to bear the Messiah.

Mary's example teaches us:

• True faith often requires stepping into the unknown
• Obedience to God may come at a personal cost
• Humility and trust in God's promises lead to blessing

Mary's willingness to be used by God, expressed in her words "I am the Lord's servant," serves as a model for all believers. Her Magnificat, a song of praise to God, reveals her deep understanding of God's character and His plan for redemption.

4. The Holy Spirit's Role in the Christmas Story

Only when we're filled with the Holy Spirit can we see what matters to God.

Divine empowerment and revelation. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role throughout the Christmas narrative, empowering and guiding key figures:

• Filling Elizabeth, enabling her to recognize Mary's unborn child as the Messiah
• Coming upon Mary to conceive Jesus
• Inspiring Zechariah's prophecy after John's birth
• Revealing to Simeon that he would see the Messiah before death
• Empowering Anna to recognize and proclaim Jesus as the promised Redeemer

The Holy Spirit's work demonstrates that the Christmas story is not merely a human event, but a divine intervention in history. It reminds us of our need for the Spirit's guidance and empowerment in our own lives as we seek to follow God's will.

5. Joseph's Silent Strength and Righteousness

Joseph redeemed the young woman whom God had chosen for him and ignored the gossip that chased after them like scrappy dogs nipping at their heels.

A model of godly character. Although Joseph doesn't speak in the biblical account, his actions reveal a man of exceptional faith, compassion, and obedience. When faced with Mary's unexpected pregnancy, he chose to act with mercy rather than public disgrace.

Joseph's example teaches us:

• True righteousness is demonstrated through actions, not just words
• Obedience to God often requires sacrificing our own plans and reputation
• Godly men protect and provide for those entrusted to their care

By accepting Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his own son, Joseph played a crucial role in God's plan of redemption. His willingness to step into an unconventional and challenging situation demonstrates the kind of faith and character God values.

6. The Humble Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

On that sacred day God became more than a pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire. He became flesh and blood and bone. He became one of us.

God's entrance into human history. The circumstances of Jesus' birth – in a stable, laid in a manger – reveal profound truths about God's nature and His plan for salvation:

• God chooses the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes
• The King of Kings identified with the poor and marginalized
• True power is often found in apparent weakness

The shepherds, considered lowly and untrustworthy by society, were the first to receive the angelic announcement of Christ's birth. This demonstrates God's heart for the outcast and His desire to include all people in His redemptive plan.

7. Simeon's Prophecy and Anna's Devotion

Anna was young in hope.

Faithful waiting rewarded. Simeon and Anna, two elderly believers who had long awaited the Messiah, demonstrate the power of persevering faith and spiritual discernment.

Simeon's prophecy:

• Recognized Jesus as the promised Savior for all nations
• Foresaw the opposition and suffering Jesus would face
• Warned Mary of the personal pain she would endure

Anna's lifelong devotion:

• Spent decades in prayer and fasting in the temple
• Immediately recognized Jesus as the Redeemer
• Proclaimed the good news to all who were waiting for redemption

Their stories remind us that God honors those who faithfully seek Him, regardless of age or social status. They challenge us to cultivate spiritual sensitivity and to persevere in hope, even when God's promises seem long in coming.

8. The Transformative Power of Praising God

When we start praising God for all the great things he has done, there's little time left for whining or worrying.

Cultivating an attitude of praise. Throughout the Christmas narrative, we see characters responding to God's work with praise and thanksgiving. Mary's Magnificat, Zechariah's prophecy, the angels' proclamation to the shepherds, and Simeon's song all exemplify this spirit of worship.

Praising God:

• Shifts our focus from circumstances to God's character and promises
• Strengthens our faith and renews our perspective
• Testifies to others about God's goodness and power

By cultivating a habit of praise, we align our hearts with God's purposes and open ourselves to experience His presence and power in our lives. The Christmas story invites us to join in this chorus of praise, celebrating God's redemptive work in sending His Son.

Last updated: December 6, 2024