book the women of christmas

the women of christmas book by liz curtis higgs

prepare to experience the christmas season in a profoundly new way with \the women of christmas\ by liz curtis higgs. this book invites you to step into the lives of the women who were central to the nativity story, offering a fresh perspective on a tale we think we know so well. higgs beautifully unwraps the biblical accounts of elizabeth, mary, and anna, allowing readers to connect with their faith, fears, and the extraordinary circumstances they faced. this isn\t just a retelling; it\s an invitation to witness the first christmas through their eyes and prepare your own heart for the wonder of the season.

about the author liz curtis higgs

liz curtis higgs is a celebrated author and speaker with a gift for breathing new life into ancient stories. with millions of books in print, including her popular "bad girls of the bible" series, she has a unique ability to blend deep biblical insight with a warm, relatable, and often humorous voice that resonates with women worldwide. a seasoned speaker who has graced stages in all 50 states and across the globe, liz\s messages are known for being biblical, encouraging, and profoundly down-to-earth, helping women embrace the truth of god\s grace.

the women of christmas summary

in \the women of christmas\, liz curtis higgs provides an intimate look at the lives of three pivotal figures in the nativity narrative: elizabeth, mary, and anna. the book systematically explores their journeys, starting with elizabeth, a righteous woman who endured the shame of barrenness in her old age, only to be blessed with a miraculous pregnancy. her story is a powerful testament to fertile faith and trusting in god\s perfect timing. then, we meet her young relative, mary, a virgin betrothed to be married, whose world is turned upside down by a divine announcement. higgs delves into mary\s courageous and obedient "yes" to god\s plan, a decision that would change the course of history. finally, the narrative turns to anna, the devout and patient widow who spent her life in the temple, prayerfully awaiting the messiah\s arrival. her story is often overlooked, but higgs highlights the incredible moment she recognizes the infant jesus as the long-awaited savior. through a verse-by-verse exploration of the biblical text, higgs unwraps each woman\s story with tender care, revealing their humanity, their unwavering faith, and their vital roles in the greatest story ever told.

a deeper dive into faith

what makes \the women of christmas\ so compelling is its ability to go beyond the surface of the familiar christmas story. liz curtis higgs doesn\t just recount events; she mines the scriptures for cultural context and emotional depth, helping readers understand the challenges and triumphs these women experienced. you\ll explore the societal implications of elizabeth\s barrenness and the scandal mary faced. the book is structured in a way that it can be read as a novel or used as a daily devotional during the advent season, making it a versatile and enriching read. it\s a journey that moves from the quiet hope of a barren woman to the joyful praise of a young mother and the faithful proclamation of a patient widow, offering a complete and moving portrait of the women who welcomed the king.

an invitation to a more meaningful christmas

this book is more than just a historical or biographical study; it\s an invitation to a more sacred and reflective christmas season. higgs encourages readers to see themselves in the stories of elizabeth, mary, and anna—to find parallels in their own lives of waiting, trusting, and celebrating god\s promises. \the women of christmas\ is designed to help you push aside the holiday hustle and reconnect with the spiritual heart of the season. with a study guide included in the back, it is an excellent resource for both individual reflection and small group bible studies, allowing you to delve deeper into the scripture and its application to your life. it’s a book that promises to leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the profound roles these women played in the story of salvation.

frequently asked questions about the women of christmas

1. what is the main message of \the women of christmas\?

   the central message is that women are vital to god\s plan and that the christmas story can be deepened by understanding it through the perspectives of elizabeth, mary, and anna. it emphasizes themes of faith in the face of disappointment, obedience to god\s will, and patient hope in his promises.

2. who are the three women featured in the book?

   the book focuses on three women who played key roles in the nativity story: elizabeth, the mother of john the baptist; mary, the mother of jesus; and anna, the prophetess who recognized jesus as the messiah in the temple.

3. what is the writing style of liz curtis higgs in this book?

   liz curtis higgs employs a warm, wonderfully informal, and engaging writing style. her voice is described as conversational and friendly, making deep biblical insights accessible and relatable to a modern audience while remaining biblically sound.

4. is \the women of christmas\ suitable for a bible study group?

   yes, absolutely. the book is highly recommended for small group studies and includes a study guide in the back with in-depth questions for each chapter to facilitate discussion. it can be structured as a four-week or an eight-week study, making it a flexible and ideal choice for advent.

5. what makes this book a unique christmas read?

   this book offers a unique perspective by shifting the focus of the christmas narrative to its female figures, who are often secondary in traditional retellings. liz curtis higgs\s verse-by-verse exploration unwraps the familiar story with fresh insight, tender care, and historical context, allowing readers to experience the season in a new and deeply personal way.