| As we await the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we remember the details God wove into the Christmas story. We recall the prophecies spoken centuries prior and fulfilled in Bethlehem. We think about the star guiding the Magi. And we ponder Jesus’ lineage. “The Messiah’s genealogy highlights not only greatness but also grace,” Rachel Kang writes. “His lineage names not only leaders but also those least expected—unlikelies like Tamar, a tainted woman; Ruth, a Moabite; and Rahab, a woman of the night.” In Jesus’ lineage, women are noticed. Their stories point toward and weave together with the story of Jesus. Their longings lead to and find their relief in him. And we are reminded that, like the beautiful hymn says, when Jesus appeared, souls felt their worth. Kang encourages us to “lean into this list of names. Let it lead you into holy living as we persevere in the time and space between Christ’s birth and Christ’s return.”
May reflecting on our sisters’ stories bring you great joy this Advent season, as we ourselves await the return of our brother, our savior, and our friend. | 