Three very wise women lie at the heart of the First Christmas events: Mary (Jesus' blessed mother), Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist), and Anna the Prophetess (who waited her whole adult life in the temple, expecting to see the Messiah). In this devotional, covering Advent to Epiphany, each daily devotional is written from the viewpoint of one of the women, beginning with the Scriptural account. Then, steeped in biblical culture and what we know about the women from the Bible, the reader can delve deeper into what these amazing, real-life women may have been experiencing, or pondering, as they journeyed toward the Day of Christ's Birth and beyond. The struggles and joys of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna should connect with what most readers experience at Christmas and perhaps, every day. Devotions focus on: Patience, Hope, Faith, Trust, Persistence, Sacrifice, Joy, Grace, Love, Unselfishness, and so on, addressing women's needs that cross generations . . . and centuries.
The Story of Jesus through the eyes of the three wise women unfolds chronologically, narrated by Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna. When these women connect--Elizabeth in her sixth month of pregnancy, and Mary, newly pregnant by the Holy Spirit--unselfish love and honor lead the women to glorify God and praise him for his age-old plan of salvation. Later, when Anna sees Mary enter the temple for the dedication of Jesus, the Messiah, she realizes the King of Kings is before her. And she knows this is the fulfillment of the prophecies, including "the sword" that will pierce Mary's heart.
"Pondering" questions invite personal reflection on each woman and on the reader's own life, and questions provide ample discussion for Bible study groups.
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