Wise Women of Christmas: Trust, Surrender, and Share
Summary
In this message, we explore the lives of three wise women of Christmas: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Each faced significant challenges—Elizabeth with disappointment, Mary with change, and Anna with loss. Despite these obstacles, they made wise decisions that allowed them to overcome their circumstances. Elizabeth, a strong and godly woman, faced the heartbreak of childlessness but chose to trust God's plan rather than succumb to bitterness. Her persistent prayers were eventually answered with the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, teaching us that a delay is not a denial and that God's timing is perfect.
Mary, a young virgin, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Despite her fears of criticism, the supernatural, inadequacy, and change, she surrendered to God's will, believing His word over her fears. Her story reminds us that nothing is impossible with God and that true wisdom lies in trusting His plan for our lives.
Anna, a widow who spent most of her life alone, chose to focus on God's presence and share the message of Jesus with everyone she met. Her life exemplifies the power of redirecting love and devotion towards God, even in the face of personal loss.
These three women teach us that wisdom is demonstrated through the choices we make. By trusting God's plan, believing His word, and focusing on His presence, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose. As we approach Christmas, let us be inspired by their stories to make wise decisions and share the hope of Jesus with others.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust in God's Timing: Elizabeth's story teaches us that a delay is not a denial. God's timing is perfect, and what may seem like unanswered prayers could be part of a greater plan. Trusting in God's timing requires patience and faith, knowing that He has something bigger and better planned for us. [17:33]
- Surrender to God's Will: Mary's response to the angel's message shows the wisdom of surrendering to God's will. Despite her fears and uncertainties, she chose to trust God's plan for her life. True wisdom lies in aligning our desires with God's purpose, even when it challenges our understanding. [27:01]
- Believe God's Word Over Fears: Mary chose to believe God's word rather than her fears. In moments of doubt and anxiety, we must hold onto the truth of God's promises. Believing in His word over our fears is a mark of wisdom and faith. [29:20]
- Focus on God's Presence: Anna's life demonstrates the power of focusing on God's presence. Despite her personal loss, she devoted herself to worship and sharing the message of Jesus. Redirecting our love and attention towards God can transform our grief into a source of strength and purpose. [36:31]
- Share the Message of Jesus: Anna's commitment to talking about Jesus to everyone she met highlights the importance of sharing the good news. As we approach Christmas, let us be inspired to share the hope and love of Jesus with those around us, knowing that "He who winneth souls is wise." [37:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Three Wise Women
- [00:29] - Elizabeth's Story of Disappointment
- [01:21] - Overcoming Resentment and Bitterness
- [02:16] - Solomon's Wisdom and Decisions
- [03:07] - Elizabeth's Strength and Godliness
- [05:39] - Trusting God's Plan Despite Heartbreak
- [08:29] - The Miraculous Birth of John the Baptist
- [12:23] - Persistent Prayer and God's Timing
- [18:35] - Choosing Trust Over Bitterness
- [19:16] - Mary's Story of Change and Fear
- [26:23] - Surrendering to God's Will
- [30:13] - Anna's Story of Loss and Devotion
- [36:31] - Focusing on God's Presence
- [37:54] - Sharing the Message of Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Three Wise Women of Christmas
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:5-7 - The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.
2. Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary.
3. Luke 2:36-38 - The story of Anna the prophetess.
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the major challenges faced by Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, and how did each woman respond to her situation? [01:04]
2. How does the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah illustrate the concept that "a delay is not a denial"? [17:33]
3. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel's message, and how did her response demonstrate wisdom? [20:09]
4. How did Anna choose to spend her life after the loss of her husband, and what does this reveal about her character? [35:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Elizabeth's story teach us about the importance of trusting in God's timing, even when our prayers seem unanswered? [13:08]
2. In what ways does Mary's surrender to God's will challenge our understanding of wisdom and faith in the face of fear and uncertainty? [27:01]
3. How does Anna's focus on God's presence and her commitment to sharing the message of Jesus serve as a model for dealing with personal loss? [36:31]
4. What can we learn from the way these three women made wise decisions in the face of disappointment, fear, and grief? [39:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a delay in your life. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Elizabeth's example of trusting God's timing? [17:33]
2. Mary chose to believe God's word over her fears. Identify a fear you are currently facing. How can you apply Mary's example to trust in God's promises instead? [29:20]
3. Anna redirected her love and devotion towards God after her loss. Is there an area in your life where you need to redirect your focus towards God? How can you begin to do that this week? [36:31]
4. As we approach Christmas, how can you share the hope and love of Jesus with someone in your life, following Anna's example of talking about Jesus to everyone? [37:00]
5. Consider a situation where you are tempted to become bitter. How can Elizabeth's choice to trust God's plan instead of becoming bitter inspire you to make a different choice? [18:35]
6. Mary was a woman of the word, knowing scripture deeply. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and memorization of scripture in the coming month? [28:12]
7. How can you be more attentive to the promptings of God's Spirit in your daily life, as Simeon was, to not miss out on the blessings God has for you? [31:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in Divine Timing
Elizabeth's story is a profound testament to the power of trusting in God's timing. Despite facing the deep disappointment of childlessness, Elizabeth chose to remain steadfast in her faith, believing that God's plan was greater than her immediate understanding. Her persistent prayers and unwavering trust were eventually rewarded with the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. This narrative teaches us that what may seem like a delay in our lives is not necessarily a denial from God. Instead, it is an invitation to trust in His perfect timing and to have faith that He is orchestrating something far greater than we can imagine. [17:33]
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's timing? How can you practice patience and faith in this situation today?
Day 2: Surrendering to God's Will
Mary's response to the angel's message is a powerful example of surrendering to God's will. Despite her fears and uncertainties about the future, she chose to trust in God's plan for her life. This act of surrender required immense courage and faith, as she aligned her desires with God's purpose, even when it challenged her understanding. Mary's story reminds us that true wisdom lies in letting go of our own plans and embracing God's will, trusting that He knows what is best for us. [27:01]
"And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:38, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Believing God's Word Over Fears
Mary's journey teaches us the importance of believing God's word over our fears. Faced with the daunting task of bearing the Son of God, she chose to trust in the promises of God rather than succumb to her anxieties. This decision to hold onto God's truth in moments of doubt is a mark of wisdom and faith. It encourages us to confront our fears with the assurance that God's promises are steadfast and true, providing us with the strength to overcome any challenge. [29:20]
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: What fear is currently holding you back from fully trusting in God's promises? How can you actively choose to believe His word over your fears today?
Day 4: Focusing on God's Presence
Anna's life exemplifies the transformative power of focusing on God's presence. Despite experiencing personal loss, she devoted herself to worship and sharing the message of Jesus with others. By redirecting her love and attention towards God, Anna found strength and purpose in her grief. Her story encourages us to seek God's presence in our own lives, allowing His love to fill the voids left by loss and to guide us towards a life of devotion and service. [36:31]
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally focus on God's presence in your daily life, especially in times of personal loss or hardship? What practices can help you draw closer to Him?
Day 5: Sharing the Message of Jesus
Anna's commitment to sharing the message of Jesus with everyone she met highlights the importance of evangelism. Her life serves as a reminder that sharing the hope and love of Jesus is a vital part of our faith journey. As we approach Christmas, we are encouraged to follow Anna's example by spreading the good news to those around us. This act of sharing not only brings hope to others but also deepens our own understanding and appreciation of the gospel. [37:00]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Jesus this Christmas season? How can you share His love and hope with them in a meaningful way?
Quotes
"Elizabeth overcame resentment and bitterness. Mary overcame her fears. And Anna overcame her grief because they all made wise decisions. By making wise choices. How do you know when somebody is wise? How do you know when somebody is really wise or not? By looking at the decisions they make. Wise people make wise decisions." [00:01:24]
"Elizabeth had every temptation to get bitter. She had every temptation to get resentful against God. 'Cause she could say, 'You know, God, I have served You my entire life. I have lived for you. I have done what's right. I've tried to do the right thing. I've tried to honor You and worship You and love You and yet You haven't answered my biggest prayer.'" [00:05:40]
"Elizabeth, in her wisdom, did not get mad at God. But the point I wanna make here is that living for God does not guarantee you a hurt-free life. God never said that everything's gonna happen the way you want it in life. This is not heaven. I've told you this so many times. Don't expect heaven to be on earth." [00:06:31]
"Your persistent prayers have been heard. So we know that Elizabeth and her husband never stopped praying. Even after they were physically unable to conceive they kept praying. This is a mark of wisdom. Even in all of her pain. Even in all of her disappointment. Even in all of her dashed hopes. Even as she got older and older, she kept on praying." [00:12:32]
"Elizabeth was blessed because she chose to trust God's plan instead of being bitter. She chose, it was a decision, to trust God's plan instead of being bitter. What are you being tempted to be bitter about? It just means you're not trusting God's plan. You think you know more than God does." [00:18:26]
"Mary wisely surrenders to the will of God. Have you done that yet? Have you wisely surrendered your life to the will of God? If you haven't, there's a word for that. Foolishness. It is unwise to go with your plan for your life when God who created you has a plan for your life." [00:27:01]
"Mary was blessed because she chose to believe God's word instead of her fears. She chose to believe God's word, what God had said, than to believe her fears. And she certainly had a lot of fears, I'm sure, in her life. But she said, 'I'm not gonna believe my fears. I'm gonna believe the truth that God has said.'" [00:29:20]
"Anna was blessed because she made a decision. And the decision she made was she chose to focus on God's presence and talk to everyone about Jesus. Said I'm gonna, I've lost the love of my life, I'm alone, I'm gonna use my life to focus on God's presence. I'm gonna worship him all the time." [00:36:31]
"Anna talked about Jesus to everyone. Anna talked about Jesus to everyone who was looking for redemption and freedom in Jerusalem. Write this down, here's the third mark of wisdom. Anna was blessed because she made a decision. And the decision she made was she chose to focus on God's presence and talk to everyone about Jesus." [00:37:00]
"Will you choose to trust God's plan instead of being bitter? Will you choose to believe God's word instead of your fears? And will you choose to focus on God's presence, not your loss? And tell everybody about Jesus? Last night in the service there was a man who came who had never ever been in a Christian church ever." [00:39:28]
"God, I'm gonna choose to be wise. I want to be wise. And I wanna choose to trust your plan instead of getting bitter that things don't always go my way. And the things I've prayed for don't always get a yes answer. I'm gonna trust your plan and your timing." [00:40:33]
"Let's bow our heads. First I want those of you who already know the Lord to pray this prayer. Everybody can pray it actually, but just say, God, I'm gonna choose to be wise. I want to be wise. And I wanna choose to trust your plan instead of getting bitter that things don't always go my way." [00:40:33]
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