Three Wise Women

 

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.