In the story of the birth of Jesus, three wise women can be
found. There is a wise saying in the Old Testament in Proverbs 31:30 - Charm
is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be
praised. In the Old Testament we keep
reading the descriptions of the outer beauty of a man or a woman. Rachel's
beauty and Absalom's beauty are imprinted in our minds. However, there are no
such descriptions in the New Testament. Here are some beauty tips which we
can see in these three wise women:
Mary
Mary's wisdom/beauty is seen in her obedience to the angel.
She did not say that she would accept the words of the angel regarding virgin -
pregnancy, after consulting her father, mother, or her future husband, Joseph. Concerning
the Lord’s matter, she was convinced that she can take her own decision because
she was the maid-servant of God, not anyone else’s (Luke 1:38). We need this kind of discernment
and wisdom today. (check James 3:17 which I have shared towards the end)
Elizabeth
She was a senior woman. Just as the experience of a virgin
pregnancy would bring ridicule to her relative, Mary, this older woman who had
a miraculous conception never left her house for five months out of shame
(1:25). The two pregnant women would eventually meet and greet and bless each
other. It was God through his angel who planned it (1:35). We should learn to
honor and love in our families and churches, seniors like Elizabeth, who opened
her home to Mary to receive God's blessing and mutual support.
Anna
Anna was another senior woman. She came in Asher's
genealogy. She was the daughter of Phanuel. A prophet, she lived with her
husband for only seven years from the time of her marriage. She was then about
eighty-four years old. She kept fasting, praying and worshiping day and night
without leaving the temple in Jerusalem. She saw the baby Jesus, praised the
Lord and spoke about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for salvation in
Jerusalem. (2:36-38) This is a marvellous testimony of a widow of those days! Isn’t
it?
Here are some beauty tips: .. the wisdom that comes from
heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full
of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17) Your beauty should
not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing
of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self,
the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in
God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3,4)
Is such beauty found
in us? Let's think and act.
