As I write this blog I am fretful. The persistent blinking bar in this Word Document I’m typing reminds me that I have only begun to write the first paragraph of this blog post that I committed to write, but is already a week late. I’m praying this isn’t an omen for how my December goes…
Hannah commits.
Hannah procrastinates.
Hannah panics.
Hannah pulls an all-nighter to come through.
In planning for this blog on the topic of “The Women of Christmas”, I was pumped. I couldn’t wait to parse out theological truths on the virgin birth, introduce you to the main women, Mary and Elizabeth, and maybe even get a chance to throw in some fun prophetic rabbit chases. But as I sit down to write, I’m tired.
As I’m tired, I think upon these illustrious, biblical women of Christmas. I wonder if Elizabeth ever sat in front of her fireplace at 11pm, listening to a Christmas Instrumental playlist on Spotify, hoping to get a moment of peace. I wonder if Mary ever had to fudge on the budget to pay her bills at Christmas time. I wonder if either of these ladies overbooked themselves, overcooked the turkey, overthought the holiday outing, or overcommitted to all the church events.
It’s probably safe to say that these particular situations were not ones Mary and Elizabeth faced. However, instead of just considering Mary and Elizabeth as perfect Proverbs 31 women, let’s look closer and notice their humanity.
These two women, much like the women of today, dealt with…
Their fears.
Mary would carry the Savior of the world in her body for nine months, which would be the easy part compared to raising him for the years to come (Luke 2:34-35). Elizabeth would bear a child in her old age, her husband unable to offer her verbal support during her whole pregnancy (Luke 1). These women certainly dealt with their own fears.
The Unknown.
Mary, did you know? (Probably not, so please stop asking.) No, she probably didn’t even have a clue as to what was being asked of her, nor would Elizabeth. Each would have to surrender their son to the work of God. Each would have to weep over their young son’s death (John 19:25, Matthew 14:9-12). Each would have to trust that God was doing something now that would change the world forever (Matthew 3:11).
Pressure.
Mary, a single pregnant woman and Elizabeth, an elderly pregnant woman. There was no avoiding the scandal and gossip. What pressure could they have felt? Surely, not every night of those nine months and the years to follow were happy, angelic ones. Their children followed highly unconventional paths. We know Mary was more than a bit anxious the day she lost Jesus in the midst of a busy holiday (Luke 2:41-52). Seriously? The weight of thinking you might have lost Jesus?! And society must have thought Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist, was more than a bit odd in his camel-haired couture, yelling in the wilderness (Matthew 3:1-4). Did these Mommas ever quake under the weight of parental pressure?
However, these two women, much like believing women of today, were gifted with…
God’s provision.
Rest assured, God is always at work (Philippians 1:6) and He always provides (2 Peter 1:3). Mary and Elizabeth showed confidence in the Lord’s work and in His ability to plan. We can too.
Hope.
The women had hope that carried them to term in mysterious pregnancies and to life despite dark, trying times as their sons grew (1 Peter 5:10). We too can have hope in the presence and glory of God (Isaiah 40:31).
A reason for joy.
What joy and giddiness Mary and Elizabeth must have felt, even under the weight of their fears, the unknown, and the pressure. They were both seemingly called to the impossible, though, God reminded them that with Him, all things are possible (Luke 1:37). The two must have had moments where they sat back and smiled at the wonder of it all. Their reason for joy was drawn from the salvation to come and being part of that story. Our reason for “inexpressible and glorious” joy is drawn from the salvation that has already come for our own souls (1 Peter 1:8-9).
As women of the 21st century, we’re so quick to judge, to elevate, and to idolize these women in the Bible. Mary and Elizabeth were just like you and me. We are all sinful at our worst, and at our best, we are used in spite of that sin. We all struggle with our fears, the unknown, and some form of pressure. We all live in hopeful expectancy this Advent. With this, we likewise hopefully press into and praise God for the gifts of His provision, the hope He offers, and the joy we have in Him.
As I wrap up this blog, unlike the gifts that should be under the tree by now, I think of you. I think of the pressures you might be placing on yourself this season. I think of how many of you might be sitting in a lonely home. I think of some of you who may be in a full home, but have an empty seat this Christmas for one reason or another. There’s so much pain and suffering to reflect on at the closing of this year.
But be encouraged, my sisters. We neither weep nor praise as those without hope. We, of all women, have the greatest Hope of all. He saw Himself fit to come as a baby, live as a man, and die as a bearer of sin. He is alive! We have hope! Merry Christmas!
Meet the Author!
Hannah Hanzel is an opinionated, passionate gal that loves sharing what God is doing in her often busy and complicated life. She strives to show God's glory in working as the Art Director for the Baptist Messenger, serving as a multi-client freelance graphic designer, and communing with CRBC. When she's not working, you can find her sipping coffee in a hammock, watching classic '40s movies, or going on an adventure with friends or family.
