The Three Wise Women: A Christmas Reflection

by Christin Ditchfield

Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna. Three very different women, at different ages and stages of life. One single, one married, one widowed. One just beginning to experience life. One coping with the challenges and changes of midlife. And one coming close to the end of her life. But these women had one thing in common. They chose to submit to God's will, even when it didn't seem to make sense. Take a closer look at their words and actions, and see how each woman had a unique purpose in God's great plan to bring His Son to earth. The Three Wise Men, though mentioned only briefly in the Gospel of Matthew, are well-known characters in the Christmas story. But we know very little about them-not even their names, or if in fact there were three of them. But the Scriptures do teach us for certain about three wise women-Mary, mother of Jesus; Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist; and Anna, a prophetess who proclaimed the good news of Jesus' birth. Each woman played an important role in the Christmas story. They didn't give Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as the wise men did. But they did offer Him their most precious their hearts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christmas

80 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2005

About the author

Christin Ditchfield (www.ChristinDitchfield.com) is the author of "What Women Should Know About Letting It Go" and 65 other books in a wide variety of genres, from educational to inspirational, fiction and nonfiction. She has also written dozens of best-selling gospel tracts, and hundreds of essays, columns, and articles for national and international magazines such as Focus on the Family, Power For Living, Sports Spectrum, and Today's Christian Woman.

For over twenty-five years, Christin has been speaking at conferences, retreats, banquets, and brunches, encouraging women who love Jesus, teaching them to walk with Him on a daily basis, so that they can experience a richer, deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.

She hosts the internationally syndicated radio program, Take It To Heart! (www.TakeItToHeartRadio.com) and is a frequent guest on other national radio and television programs, including Family Life Today, Midday Connection, Dr. D. James Kennedy's Truths That Transform, and Live the Promise with Susie Larson.

A former preschool and elementary school teacher, Christin is also the author of many educational books and resources for children and their families, including the best-selling "A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia."

She holds a bachelors degree in Christian Leadership and a masters degree in Biblical Theology.

Christin blogs at www.ChristinDitchfield.com

Reviews

[Lynda Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna the 3 wise women of the nativity focuses on the heart condition of each woman.
Mary has a willing heart surrendering to her Lords interrupting and uncomfortable plan that will change her life forever, yet brings glory to God.
Elizabeth has a hearing heart, in stark contrast to her unbelieving husband! And readily responds openly and in faith to what she hears.
Ann has a faithful heart which is evident through her years of persistent faithful service. A great book for the Christmas season and a refreshing alternative to the 3 wise men/kings!

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to ponder in OUR hearts

This little book gives us much to think about. Not just at Christmas, but all year long. We, too, can be wise.

[Anne Onstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Christmas story reimagined through the eyes of Mary, Anna, and Elizabeth. It is thought-provoking and helps one evaluate how they see and experience the world. A great Advent read.

[Leah Savas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short Christmas devotional offers thoughtful reflections on three New Testament women who played a role in the Advent of Jesus. If you're seeking a scholarly work or an in-depth Bible study, look elsewhere. But author Christin Ditchfield obviously did not intend for this 80-page volume to be either of those things.

In five short chapters, Ditchfield brings Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna under the microscope to give us a picture of what their lives may have looked like. She uses their stories to illustrate three qualities of the Christian heart and challenges readers to consider what we can learn from their examples.

Of the several advent devotionals I've read, this is one of the better ones: presented in an attractively sized and designed hardback, Ditchfield's reflections on these women encourages introspection and helps prepare hearts for the Christmas season.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The thesis of this book is that Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna are the three wise women in the Christmas story. While I agree with this premise, I was disappointed in the book. It is very surface level and does not go into any sort of depth on the lives of these remarkable women. All claims made by the book are speculation and are not supported by scholarly sources or even Scripture.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book about Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna describes what it would have been like to actually be these women. The author could have expanded on what she wrote. I did find it helpful to think about what these women experienced.

[Yvonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very traditional interpretation of the Mary, Anne and Elizabeth. The authors interpretation is too narrow for my perspective.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for the advent season but way too short.