Women and the Christmas Story
Photo by Jon Carlson on Unsplash
Women in the Christmas Story
In Scripture, Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna are women chosen by God, born in a specific time and place to welcome God’s presence in the world. Each has a different role. Mary, chosen to carry the Messiah, the Promised One. Elizabeth, chosen to carry the forerunner and to be a great encourager to Mary. The baby leaped in her womb when Mary arrived, and Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary was carrying the Messiah. And Anna was chosen to wait. She was a widow who was alone for many years. She chose to believe that she would see the fulfillment of the promise of the One who would deliver her people and provide hope when all seemed lost.
Before this point in history, God was silent for 400 years. Then one night, everything changed. Hope reignited. A baby was born in a manger – Immanuel – God with us. Each one of these women’s lives was crucially important in the unfolding of God’s redemptive story.
A Part of God’s Story
We too are a part of that story. Every single person has been created by God and is an image-bearer (Gen 1:2-27 Scripture). It’s beautiful that He calls us to be on mission with Him to shine light in dark spaces.
World Hope International staff around the world, like Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna, have been called to the place and time they are in to be light, and to be on mission with God to bring hope in hard places.
Celine – Physiotherapist in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, Celine, is a physiotherapist and mentor who is training up a new generation of specialists to increase opportunity for those living with disabilities. In 2023, Sierra Leone saw its first locally trained physiotherapists graduate.
Celine takes a holistic approach, working with interns, guiding and shaping them to be lifelong learners and to apply their learning. She is passionate about connecting interns across different regions to strengthen and empower peer-to-peer learning that also provides encouragement and support to one another. Her work is transforming the lives of physiotherapists and those who are living with disabilities. This commitment will continue to impact families and communities for years to come.
Riza – The Philippines
In The Philippines, Riza, a social worker, sees clients not as cases to be handled but as individuals in need of care. She is acutely aware of those who are in need of safety, patience, and someone who will not give up on them when it is hard or healing seems stalled.
Healing from traumatic experiences is not easy, nor is it linear. It can be a journey of fear, silence, and setbacks.
Riza does not give up on those entrusted to her care, but walks alongside them, offering stability and patient compassion when their worlds have been shattered. With gentle encouragement and consistent presence, Riza demonstrates that the slow process of healing is worth investing in.
Soksothy (Pheap) – Field Operations Support and Government Relation Manager in Cambodia
In Cambodia, Pheap is the longest serving staff member on the team. She has worn many hats over the years and is always ready to pitch in to get the job done. Whether she is doing paperwork in the office, riding a moto over rough roads to visit a school or church, digging in a garden, helping to pick vegetables, or meeting with government or community officials, Pheap’s kind and welcoming demeanour immediately sets people at ease.
Recently, Pheap has been appointed as a committee member of the Mondulkiri Provincial Vocational Training Center. The skills and experience she has honed over the years will help shape governance and strategy in Mondulkiri continuing to ignite hope.
Where Are You Bringing Hope?
Every one of these women, is leaning in to the call on her life right where she is. May we all choose to be a part of being hope in hard places, remembering that we are here for such a time as this. What is He calling you to do? How is He asking you to be involved? Listen for His still, small voice to lead you, and walk confidently in whatever he is asking of you.