What Christmas Can Teach Us Women
If you see me at work in the month of December, you will find me wearing a Christmas sweater and listening to Christmas music in my office. But let's be honest, I have been listening to Christmas music since October. Yes, I am one of those people. I love the way Christmas, and everything that goes with it, makes me feel better.
It was commonplace for my family to watch Christmas movies throughout December growing up. The movie A Christmas Story was a staple at many of our Christmas gatherings; my cousin was even gifted a pink bunny suit one Christmas. Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and numerous other movies can be found in our collection. In each movie a repeated theme can be found - Christmas joy and love. The characters learn “the true meaning of Christmas” of being with family and spending time with those you love. Due to the time of the year, Christmas brings out the best in others, and people show extra appreciation for each other.
While all the above movies can make you feel all “warm and fuzzy” inside, one movie has become my family’s favorite. Although my sister and I are getting older, it has been a Christmas tradition the past few years that we watch The Nativity Story together. And guess what? This movie definitely brings all the Christmas joy and love. Why? It tells the story of the true meaning of Christmas. It’s about the birth of Jesus. The first Christmas. The real reason we can show joy and love.
When you read the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus, it’s quite intriguing (you can find the story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke). One of my favorite things about The Nativity Story is it shows the human side of Mary and Joseph. Can you imagine being just a girl and the angel Gabriel announces you will conceive the Son of God? How would you respond? I honestly don’t know if I would be struck mute in shock, fall to my knees praising God, or throw my arms up questioning, ”Am I being punked? Where’s Ashton?”
After the explanation from an angel of God, Mary, although fearful, responds, “Behold I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Man, what faith. She does not think of the consequences waiting for her with her future husband, her family, or her community; she just has faith in the Lord and what He is going to do with her life.
What a lesson we can take away from sweet, young Mary. When God asks us to move, what if we did it with no questions asked? Just knowing God will never lead us in the wrong direction and will handle the obstacles we believe to be in the way. I cannot tell you how many times God has beautifully made things happen for me better than I could have planned. Same goes for you. He has the power to do so.
After Mary’s encounter with the angel, Mary went to visit Zechariah and Elizabeth. Upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” (Luke 1:45). Do you want to be known as that kind of woman? One who believes the Lord will fulfill His promises to you? I do.
Are you wrestling with plans God has for you and your life? Whether it be leading a small group, striking up conversations with new people, or going on a mission trip, know God will lead you if you let Him. He loves you and is proud of you. He wants to use you, so just be open to His leading. Like Mary, if God nudges you, say, “I am a servant of the Lord.” And of course, no matter what you are doing, do it with love and joy no matter the season!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.