Reading in Luke this Advent season, I find myself being struck by the women we see as pivotal to the First Advent of Christ. There are three women who tell the story of Messiah – Elizabeth, Mary and Anna. It is remarkable how they are used by God in such unique ways to herald, carry and proclaim the message that changed the world.
God chose three women in different ages, stages and seasons of life. What a beautiful portrait God gives us that all women are important to Him and His mission.
- A teenager chosen to carry the Messiah and lead a life of challenge and hardship.
- The wife of a priest who walked through years of disappointment and infertility.
- An elderly, widowed woman given the gift of prophecy and telling everyone of the child who would be the Savior of the World.
So often we allow our thoughts to drive our feelings and render us inactive, because we think our season of life cannot be useful to God or serve any greater purpose. Well, that is a lie from the enemy. He uses it often and I must say our enemy can be pretty good at getting us to believe that lie.
If you have breath in your lungs, you have a purpose with Kingdom implications and you are an advent woman pointing to the One who brings peace, salvation, hope, and forgiveness.
You might question your calling like Mary did. How can this be since I have no husband?
You might think you have aged out of your purpose like Elizabeth.
You might be wondering if you will ever witness that for which you have long dreamt.
When the lies of the enemy begin to creep into our thoughts, advent women must remember the truth – with God all things are possible.
Mary was the vessel used by God to deliver salvation.
Nothing is impossible with God.
Elizabeth proclaimed the blessing of the One to come to a young unwed mother and her son was a voice calling in the wilderness and proclaiming the Lamb of God. Nothing is impossible with God.
Anna was an eighty-four year old, widowed prophetess who never left the temple where she worshiped, fasted, and prayed. Her true calling came the moment she saw Jesus and she told everyone about the child.
Nothing is impossible with God.
Advent women look forward to the days ahead and the coming of Christ. In the watching and waiting, they are women of faith who know nothing is impossible with God. You are also an advent woman, so remind yourself today that you are never too young, too old, or forgotten to serve a mighty Kingdom purpose.
This season and in the seasons to come let’s look forward and keep our eyes focused on the One who knows us, loves us and is always faithful to His promises. And no matter what the world tells us, advent women can boldly look at our lives and say – Thanks be to God!
