Three very wise women lie at the heart of the First Christmas events: Mary (Jesus’ blessed mother), Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist), and Anna the Prophetess (who waited her whole adult life in the temple, expecting to see the Messiah). In this devotional, covering Advent to Epiphany, each daily devotional is written from the viewpoint of one of the women, beginning with the Scriptural account. Then, steeped in biblical culture and what we know about the women from the Bible, the reader can delve deeper into what these amazing, real-life women may have been experiencing, or pondering, as they journeyed toward the Day of Christ’s Birth and beyond. The struggles and joys of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna should connect with what most readers experience at Christmas and perhaps, every day. Devotions focus on: Patience, Hope, Faith, Trust, Persistence, Sacrifice, Joy, Grace, Love, Unselfishness, and so on, addressing women’s needs that cross generations . . . and centuries.
The Story of Jesus through the eyes of the three wise women unfolds chronologically, narrated by Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna. When these women connect—Elizabeth in her sixth month of pregnancy, and Mary, newly pregnant by the Holy Spirit—unselfish love and honor lead the women to glorify God and praise him for his age-old plan of salvation. Later, when Anna sees Mary enter the temple for the dedication of Jesus, the Messiah, she realizes the King of Kings is before her. And she knows this is the fulfillment of the prophecies, including “the sword” that will pierce Mary’s heart.
“Pondering” questions invite personal reflection on each woman and on the reader’s own life, and questions provide ample discussion for Bible study groups.
Product Preview
| Format: | Paperback book |
|---|---|
| Product code: | PP8054 |
| Dimensions: | 5.6" x 8.3" |
| Length: | 192 pages |
| Publisher: |
Paraclete Press
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| ISBN: | 9781640608054 |
| 1-2 copies | $16.71 each |
|---|---|
| 3-9 copies | $15.95 each |
| 10-49 copies | $15.19 each |
| 50-99 copies | $14.81 each |
| 100+ copies | $14.24 each |
Praise
"There is something so calming, so thoughtful, so—forgive me—wise about this book that it seems as though it's been here among us for a long time already: a Christmas devotional that brings to us the lives of the three women most important to the birth of our savior: Mary, Elizabeth and Anna. Dandi Mackall has done something important, and beautiful, and good, calling her readers to ponder anew this miraculous season when the gift of all gifts was bestowed upon us all, and to do so through the eyes of the blessed women involved. This is a wonderful book."
"Chills and tears and just WOW. Three Wise Women is a stunningly beautiful perspective of the three women who take part in the most transformative event of all time, the birth of Christ. Dandi has breathed life and emotions into the portraits of these women as they experience the miracle of the greatest gift this world has ever known. We feel their fear and faith, their worry and wonder, their loneliness and love as they walk through the days that changed the world forever. And by walking with them, I know that we will be changed forever too."
The selection of relevant content from both the Old and New Testaments will refresh Biblical truths for those who have repeatedly walked the road to Bethlehem. Yet this same Scriptural base will provide a solid factual framework for those who have barely heard the voices of these three women. I especially appreciated the rich word pictures of life in Middle Eastern culture at the time of Jesus’ birth. Journal entries oozed authenticity as I recalled the imminent urgency to deliver a child as felt by Mary, identified with Elizabeth’s loneliness as her husband served God or reclined at the end of the day with the elderly Anna. In the Author’s Note, Dandi Daley Mackall invites us to ‘draw deeper into the heart of God.’ I accepted her invitation to join the Three Wise Women and was blessed.
"Three Wise Women provides a fresh approach to the Christmas season as it gives readers a chance to appreciate the grit, gratitude and spirituality of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna. The book helps the reader to get inside the thoughts and dreams of these godly women in a new way, and discusses customs, geography and history in a way that brings new insights into what these women’s lives must have been like."
Before I was half-way through Dandi Mackall’s Three Wise Women, I was calling my friends and telling them that they needed to buy this powerful book! We’re now excited to begin a Bible study using the thought-provoking text from Three Wise Women!
The author’s talent at applying well-researched details with narrative makes it a joy to read the personal stories of three women caught up in God’s plan to redeem His creation – by providing them with a Savior in the form of a baby. These three were common women of the day. The author shows how God can use the ordinary to make extraordinary circumstances beyond any human’s control. It is a beautiful, gentle compilation of stories that bring out the magnificence of the Christmas story. The author of hundreds of books is always a stellar storyteller, no matter what she writes.
As a person and as an author Dandi Daley Mackall is stellar. In this one-of-a-kind book, Three Wise Women, her passionate devotion to God, her knowledge of the Bible, and her awe-inspiring literary skills coalesce to give us a treasure for the ages. You will be stirred afresh to ponder the miracle of Christ’s birth as you journey through Scripture and identify with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna. Prepare your own heart for celebrating a supernatural Christmas with this extraordinary Advent treasure.
In her latest work, Dandi Daley Mackall has brought to life Three Wise Women: the Virgin Mary, Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, and Anna the Prophetess. Ms. Mackall uses Scripture to introduce her subjects, then fleshes the characters out through narratives of the most crucial moments of their lives. The daily devotional encourages readers to ‘ponder’ different topics and then examine similar emotions and situations the three wisewomen experienced. A wonderful, timely and heartwarming devotional!
What a gift our Father gave this author to praise and honor Him with her writing. You have been a blessing to many. I love the concept especially the ‘pondering.’ It allows me to focus strictly on the precious Word of God and then apply it to my life through the questions. I could see friends answering the questions together. Thank you for writing about three of the wonderful wise women. Although we study so much about the disciples, I am often reminded that it was women who were at the foot of the cross with Christ. I only hope that God will use me as he has used you and your gift.
The poetic nature of Three Wise Women is like a thundering and rolling stream that meets the heart of women who still seek Him. Not only did I find myself roaring for joy, it was a delight to experience the wonder of wise inspiration from the scriptures afresh.
"In Three Wise Women, author Dandi Daley Mackall offers readers an insightful volume that can be used for study and reflection through the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Each day's reading has a particular focus which includes pertinent Biblical passages and references, a devotional, and questions for reflection which are capped by a short prayer. The author beautifully weaves the stories of Mary, mother of Jesus, Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, and Anna the Prophetess in a way that beckons readers to accompany them in their journey of faith and informs and deepens understanding of their lives. Whether used for personal study or shared with a friend or group, Three Wise Women encourages a daily practice which can nurture lives and promote spiritual growth."
Author
Dandi Daley Mackall has spent most of her adult life studying the Bible, leading Bible studies, and writing from a biblical perspective. Her books have received starred reviews and won many awards, including the Edgar Award; three Christian Book Awards; Ohio Council International Reading Association Hall of Fame; Amelia Bloom Award for Women; Mom’s Choice; NYC Library Top Picks; ALA Best Book; and the Helen Keating Ott Award for Lifetime Contributions to Children’s Literature.
Dandi graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri, with a B.A. in foreign languages, later receiving Distinguished Alumna Award. She earned her master’s at University of Central Oklahoma, with the Dean’s Art and Achievement Award. Further studies included a year in Hebrew and a year in Greek at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and courses from the Institute of Biblical Studies. She was a missionary “Behind the Iron Curtain,” teaching the Bible to Poles and Czechs.
Dandi keynotes at conferences, schools, universities, literary and church events--the Easter address at the Billy Graham Center, the Christmas address at the International Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., radio, podcasts, TV, including ABC, NBC, and CBS.
Dandi writes from rural Ohio, surrounded by her writer-husband, Joe, their three children and their families, plus horses, dogs, cats, a turtle, a tortoise, a chinchilla, and more.
Visit Dandi online at www.dandibooks.com. Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandi.mackall
