REFRESH MINISTRY WOMEN
  • Home
    • About
  • Blog
    • Submit a Blog
    • Refresh Writing Team
  • Events
    • Breakaway
    • Connect Groups >
      • Group Leaders >
        • Cockrum
        • Hildebrand
        • Hambrick
        • Magness
        • Miller & Scheperle
        • Poe
        • Pritchett
        • Washam
        • Gray
    • Area Connections
  • NWM
    • NWM
    • NWM Events
  • Contact
  • Resources

The Women of Christmas: The Wondrous Gift Is Given

12/4/2017

25 Comments

 
Picture
Was it a census that sent Mary and Joseph on their long journey to Bethlehem? Or was it God?
​
You know the answer. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). This was God’s plan from the very 
beginning, now unfolding on the road south from Nazareth.

Mary was “great with child” (Luke 2:5) as they traveled. We can only imagine how uncomfortable, unsettled, uneasy she felt. Where will my child be born, Lord? I am certain he will survive, but will I? Though Joseph has no recorded dialogue in Scripture, he no doubt encouraged his young bride, mile after difficult mile. I heard from an angel too, Mary. I know whose child you carry. I will care for you and keep you both safe.
​

A few miles beyond Jerusalem, the town of Bethlehem finally came into view. Nine months of expectation were over. Time for the Christ child to appear.

Read Luke 2:1–20

In a grotto beneath the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a silver star marks the traditional site where Jesus was born. But two thousand years ago, his birthplace looked nothing like this.

Mary labored in a lowly stable, and laid the Son of God in a feed trough meant for livestock. However fresh the hay, there was nothing clean about the place, nothing pleasant, nothing fragrant.

Even so, God came to us. Cast his lot with us. Became one of us.
“She gave birth to her firstborn, a son” (Luke 2:7). A handful of words, as simple and humble as her surroundings. Mary wrapped him in strips of cloth, cocooned him in linen, and held him close.

Surely she wiped away tears of joy and relief, kissed his brow with trembling lips, counted his fingers and toes, then took him to her breast.

Everything about this birth was both ordinary and extraordinary.
The Son of God wasn’t born to a princess; he was born to a poor, uneducated young girl. His first bed wasn’t covered in gold; it was stained with dung. He didn’t come in power; he came as a helpless newborn...

...Mary had treasure on earth: the Son of God, nestled in her arms. We have an even greater treasure: the Spirit of God, residing in our hearts. He is the One who urges us to value what is truly valuable, and let go of things that aren’t treasure at all, but trash. Disposable, unnecessary.
​
An interesting lesson for the Christmas season, isn’t it? While we spend, spend, spend on gifts that are quickly forgotten, neglected, discarded, the Lord is gently reminding us, “The gift that matters is my Son, who came to earth with nothing.”
Read the Rest of the Story Here

Picture
The Women of Christmas offers a heartwarming Bible study by Liz Curtis Higgs wrapped inside a beautiful gift book. Verse by verse, Liz unwraps the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, who each welcome the Christ child into the world in a marvelous and miraculous way. 

Would you like to attend Refresh Breakaway 2018 for FREE?

Comment on this blog post. That's it!  You're now entered to win a Refresh Breakaway 2018 package valued at $99 (includes registration, lodging and three meals). 

Each time you comment on a weekly blog post, your name will be entered into the drawing. Drawing ends January 31, 2018. A winner will be announced February 1, 2018 and notified by email by February 5, 2018.

So, come on! We'd love to hear from you and see you at Refresh Breakaway 2018!
25 Comments
Serenia
12/3/2017 10:17:05 pm

Powerful reminder of the gift of C hristmas. And heart touching to think of a young mother in a barn, and her uncomfortable journey to Bethlehem. Sometimes the journey God has us take is uncomfortable but the end He has planned is worth it.

Reply
Vicki
12/4/2017 08:56:37 am

What caught my attention in this blog is the reminder that Mary was an uneducated girl. He chose simple, lived simply, but loved and died extravagantly. There was nothing this world could give Him, but He gave everything!

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/4/2017 10:35:14 am

In this season of Advent, it's good to be reminded of the beginning of the story. Our thoughts are directed to the real reason we celebrate. Congratulations, your name has been entered into the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing!

Reply
Cathy Butterfield
12/4/2017 08:13:05 am

Great to be reminded that the only real treasure on this earth is Jesus.

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/4/2017 10:36:54 am

And we seem to need that reminder especially at this busy time of year. Congratulations, your name has been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Rita Rippee link
12/4/2017 08:37:19 am

What a blessing!!

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/4/2017 10:38:21 am

You're right, it is a blessing! One to hold on to, not only at Christmas, but all throughout the year. Congratulations, your name has been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing!

Reply
Amber Mills
12/4/2017 09:31:32 am

It’s amazing to me that Mary went through all of this with no earthly person around who had ever experienced this. She must have felt so alone. Even broken. But through the breaking of Mary, she found what her true calling or purpose in life was! I want to have the courage she had to endure to the end whatever hand I’m dealt so as not to miss what might be my greatest purpose.

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/4/2017 10:41:30 am

Courage! A muscle to be developed that has to be used. Congratulations, you have been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing!

Reply
Vikki Fencl
12/4/2017 10:32:00 am

As a mother, it is so easy to relate to Mary and her wonder at this newborn in her arms. Just imagine that little snuggle and tender kiss she laid upon His brow. Such sweet love for a mother to her son and to her God, all in one!

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/6/2017 10:42:00 am

Incomprehensible, isn't it! Holding God in her arms in the form of a little baby. Congratulations! You have been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Michelle Nordan
12/4/2017 12:09:24 pm

The thing I think about with the story is that Mary and Joseph went to where Joseph was from and it was more than likely FAMILY that turned him away for lodging (God's plan into action) so that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in the most lowly of places. It shows me how much God's ways are NOT our (my) ways.

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/6/2017 10:43:58 am

Congratulations! You have been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Mary Ann
12/5/2017 07:00:28 am

I am continually fascinated with the concept of God makin Himself vulnerable to mankind by sending his son as a baby, completely helpless, and in the full care of Mary and Joseph. In her book “Daring Greatly,” Dr. Brene Brown researches wholeness and finds that intimacy is achieved only through vulnerability. With this thought, Christ’s birth reveals the Father’s great desire for intimacy with us. Amazing!

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/6/2017 10:46:58 am

And free choice was in the world. How many different ways could it have gone? Congratulations! You have been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Saehee Duran
12/5/2017 09:35:15 am

I want to answer the 2 questions Liz posed at the end of her article.

1. Was there something in Chapter Six that struck you afresh?
"Not only did Mary trust God; God also trusted Mary." That's so powerful and comforting. Living in a season where I find myself juggle a lot of different responsibilities at home, work, church, and in the community, I can get overwhelmed with endless missional work. At times I wonder, am I capable of doing what I do? Could God really trust me with all the things I do? What if I mess up...?? But then when God reminds me that I can rest upon His wisdom, knowledge, and abilities, it helps me breathe and enjoy the journey. I know I cannot make it without trusting God. But to know He also trusts me enough to do His will (even when I mess up) brings such comfort and joy. To know that I am needed by my Heavenly Father for His kingdom work and He willingly invites me to be part of it makes me realize I truly can do "all things" through Him!

2. In what ways could you become more childlike in your faith?
I have three kids under the age of 13. They are so gracious and easy to forgive and know how to just enjoy life. Even though they are young, they all carry their own burdens that can be difficult to bear at times. Yet, they choose to focus on the positive and be in the moment. I, on the other hand, can get stuck in the past and dwell on the negatives, on the things I cannot change. I admire my kids' ability to bounce back from challenges and love life as God intended it to be. =)

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/6/2017 10:53:10 am

Such rich insight! Congratulations! You have been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Rebekah
12/5/2017 08:39:36 pm

Excellent and timely word!

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/6/2017 10:54:24 am

Rebekah, need your last name so we can enter you into the drawing.

Reply
Jan Morrison
12/6/2017 10:34:51 am

Being a mother myself, I can only imagine how she felt. Exhilaration yet wonder of this birth and the future.

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/6/2017 10:57:05 am

Yes, we mothers can relate to Mary's amazement at the birth of her child. Congratulations! You have been entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Annette Ver Woert
12/7/2017 11:47:15 am

How easy it is to fly through the familiar story but how this thoughtful insight into the minds & hearts of Joseph & Mary makes me wonder as a mom and a first time mom for Mary!!! these weren't ideal situations but. . . Mary had a incredible prophetic response after being told of what would be required of her as a young woman. May we have a Mary heart not only in this season but in every day until He returns being in awe of who He is!

Reply
Lisa Harris link
12/8/2017 07:30:37 pm

Isn't that what Advent is all about...being in awe of who He is until the day of His return? We get a special yearly reminder of what we need to remember every day. Congratulations! You are entered in the Refresh Breakaway 2018 drawing.

Reply
Sarah Childs
12/10/2017 06:53:47 am

My favorite part was this, "Even so, God came to us. Cast his lot with us. Became one of us." He truly is Emmanuel, God with us. That's just how relatable God is and closely he desires to he with us.

Reply
Brianna Jerman
12/18/2017 09:49:25 am

Such a great reminder! I try to remind my son of this often. He gets so excited about the presents part of christmas but he does know what really matters! I'll say "yeah thats cool but what's the coolest part of Christmas?" And he will always say "Jesus". I pray he grows up to always say that Jesus is the most important part of Christmas

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    This is a safe place for ministry wives and women ministers to be renewed, resourced, and build relationships with others just like you.

    Search Our Blog Archives by Keyword Below

    Categories

    All
    Books
    Healing
    Health
    Leadership
    Marriage & Family
    Mental Health
    Ministry
    Personal Growth
    Relationships
    Women

    Archives

    March 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
    • About
  • Blog
    • Submit a Blog
    • Refresh Writing Team
  • Events
    • Breakaway
    • Connect Groups >
      • Group Leaders >
        • Cockrum
        • Hildebrand
        • Hambrick
        • Magness
        • Miller & Scheperle
        • Poe
        • Pritchett
        • Washam
        • Gray
    • Area Connections
  • NWM
    • NWM
    • NWM Events
  • Contact
  • Resources