This Christmas season, we’re exploring the opening lines of Matthew’s Gospel, where he begins the story of Jesus with a genealogy—a list of names that might seem tedious at first glance but holds profound meaning.
Matthew carefully traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and David, reminding us that Jesus fulfills God’s promises of an eternal kingdom and a blessing for all nations. Yet, what’s truly remarkable is the inclusion of five women in this genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Each of these women had unique stories marked by being disregarded, entrapped, destitute, victimized, or simply humble.
Why does God highlight these individuals? To show us that His family is not built on earthly status, power, or perfection but on His grace. Through this genealogy, we see that God intentionally chooses the broken, the overlooked, and the ordinary to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
This message of hope is for all of us. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve faced, God invites you into His family through Jesus Christ, who came to redeem and restore. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of God’s grace revealed in the most unexpected places.