WOMEN OF CHRISTMAS WEEK 4 BIBLE STUDY

 

At 84, Anna was near the end of her life. In those days 50 was concerned a ripe old age. Anna’s husband had died more than 60 years earlier, not long after they were married. There were no children to care for and on one to care for her.

For some reason, contrary to what was commonly expected of her, she never remarried. Her culture didn’t allow a woman to pursue a career. So what was she to do with all that time?

Anna refused to accept the traditional widow role or be someone’s depended relative. She didn’t feel sorry for herself. She didn’t succumb to loneliness. Instead she devoted herself to God.

She devoted herself, loving Him, worshipping Him, spending time in His presence. In that day, women weren’t taught to read or write, let alone study the Scriptures. They were supposed to marry and have children and manage the affairs of their household. The ministry of priesthood was not open to women.

These barriers that society had built didn’t keep Anna from hungering, thirsting after righteousness. They didn’t keep her from seeking after the things of God with her whole heart.

She never meant to be single, but she learned to make the most of the freedom and opportunity that gave her.

After many years passed, Anna’s faithfulness and devotion earned her the respect of the community. She was recognized as a woman of wisdom and understanding.

She had a ministry of prayer and intercession, crying out to God on behalf of her friends, family, the community and nation.

Let’s see now how she fits in the Christmas story.

READ CHAPTERS  7 & 8 IN THE BOOK

CHAPTER 7 BLOG  http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-12-gifts-of-christmas/

CHAPTER 8 BLOG  http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-and-our-eyes-at-last-shall-see-him/

http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-joy-of-every-longing-heart/

WOMEN OF CHRISTMAS WEEK 3 BIBLE STUDY

After Elizabeth’s seclusion, her kinfolk arrived for an unexpected visit, Mary. Before May could explain, Elizabeth knew. She was attuned to God’s Spirit. At that moment, God shared a secret with Elizabeth. He revealed to her something only one other human being knew.

It was then that Elizabeth became the first person to speak a prophetic word in the New Testament era.

Elizabeth was overcome with awe and wonder, overwhelmed by God’s mercy and grace. She caught a glimpse of the marvelous plan that was even now unfolding from the mind of God. The glorious truth that the long awaited Messiah, the Anointed One, and the Deliverer had come.

She realized that the child she was carrying could not have come any sooner. The timing was critical. He had a part in this divine plan.

Her son, John was destined to be the greatest prophet the world had ever known. He would be the one to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Elizabeth was a perfect role model for Mary because she had a hearing heart. As she listened to the Holy Spirit, she became a woman of wisdom and maturity and depth.

Now let us experience the joy of the birth of these miracle babies.

READ CHAPTER 5 & 6 IN BOOK

Chapter 5 Blog: http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-with-heart-and-soul-and-voice/

Chapter 6 Blog: http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-the-wondrous-gift-is-given/

Women of Christmas Week 2

What was so special about a girl from Nazareth, called Mary?

Why did God choose her- above all the other women on earth to be the mother of His only begotten Son?

From the end of the Old Testament to the New Testament represents about 400 years. Four hundred years of silence when God said nothing. For centuries people eagerly awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise – the Messiah and theses 400 years, there were no visions, no prophecies, no miracles, nothing, “nada”.

Some grew tired of waiting. They gave up and bitterly concluded that God had forsaken them since nothing has happened in four generations. It was hard for them to believe the supernatural stories of the Old Testament, like many today.

However there was a remnant that remained faithful.

Mary was a young woman, well actually a teenager, engaged to be married. She was full of hopes and dreams for her upcoming future with a man called Joseph. Ever since God made the promise, women through the ages wondered if perhaps they might be the one that would give birth to the Messiah.

To the faithful, it was a sacred dream, a cherished hope, a coveted honor. To Mary it seemed impossible, but the angle told her that God had chosen her. From now on, all generations would call her blessed. What an awesome privilege! What an incredible responsibility!

We are ALL chosen by God. He has plans for us and things for us to do. But most of the time, we need a messenger from God to us “Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God and He has chosen you”.

When Mary hear all that the angel said, she didn’t demand a sign, (the angel would be enough of a sign for me). She voiced NO COMPLAINTS at the disruption that would be to her life (Can we say the same when God calls us to do something?). She knew things would not turn out the way she had planned. But in her heart there was NO RESISTANCE, NO REBELLION. Just sweet simple submission-complete surrender to the will of God.

She told the angel that God could use her in any way He chose. (Do we?) Because she was a willing vessel, fully available to Him. (Are we?)

She knew it would not be easy. She would be faced with many questions and doubts by her family and friends, not to mention her future husband. Her reputation ruined. But nothing more difficult that the agony she would endure to see her son die for the sins of the world.

READ CHAPTERS 3 & 4 AND THE FOLLOWING BLOG ENTRIES.

 Chapter 3 Blog :  http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-the-virgin-mother-kind/

Chapter 4 Blog:  http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-o-tidings-of-comfort-and-joy/

Women of Christmas Week 1 Bible Study

Long time ago God reached down from heaven with the best gift we will EVER receive. The gift of love and hope through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Three women played a vital role in his birth: Elizabeth, Mary and Anna. If you are like me I was thinking “Anna who”? We all have heard the stories about Elizabeth and Mary, but I don’t ever recall hearing anything about Anna.

Each life was different than the other. Elizabeth was married. Mary was young and engaged, and Anna was an elderly widow.

These women will teach us to wait upon the Lord, to trust him with everything that matters and to pray until our prayers our answered.

Christmas is much more than a holiday, more than the commercialism that starts Oct 31, more than cooking and eating, more than decorations and wrapping presents.

It’s a season for reflection, for preparation and for renewal.

As we begin our study we will start with Elizabeth.  She was a relative of Mary. She came from a distinguished family and had a rich heritage. She also “married well” but that was not enough.

She was barren. Barren in a culture in which a woman’s worth was measured by the number of children she produced. A time when inability to bear children was seen as a sign of God’s judgement- a curse. However her barrenness was not her fault nor her husband's. They had done nothing to deserve this shame and disgrace. Not only was she barren, but her childbearing years had passed.

I am sure the devil tried his best to make Elizabeth become bitter and angry because God had not answered her prayers……yet. Satan knows WHERE we are most vulnerable. When he plays in our life, he is unfair, unjust and unkind.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ LIZ CURTIS HIGGS BLOG ALONG WITH CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 IN THE BOOK

CHAPTER 1 http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/category/the-women-of-christmas/page/3/

CHAPTER 2 http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/the-women-of-christmas-let-all-mortal-flesh-keep-silence/