Lead Like a Woman at Christmas

(Let a sword pierce your heart)

A few months ago, I wrote a reflection on leading like a woman. Last at the cross, first at the tomb. This December, I’ve been lingering in the lives of the women of the Christmas story. Lead like a woman; it will cost you everything.

Lead like Mary, who surrendered her pride, her reputation, her lover, her security, to enter into the strange and bewildering honour to carry the life of God to a confused and broken world. Lead like one who hears angels and defies gossip.

Lead in the places where the only promise you carry is for your life to be misunderstood and contradicted, that a sword will pierce your heart as you watch the story you thought would be full of happy endings lead again and again to a cross. Lead, ready to die to self, still trusting resurrection will come.

Lead like Elizabeth, a willing second, a loving cheerleader. Let your heart be shaped deeply by the joy of another. Choose the lesser place. Lead by giving your heart away to the younger generation.

Lead like Anna, without the partner you imagined might be by your side in a different version of your life. Lead barren, and let your prayers give birth to spiritual children. Lead with expectation that your life will be a picture of freedom for a generation.

Lead like Rachel, weeping for her loss. Lead in tenderness, lead through tears. Lead through injustice. Lead like one who believes in a God who is near to the brokenhearted.

Lead and speak truth to power. Lead, hungry for only the presence of Jesus. Lead, believing for a promise you do not yet see. Write and live and tell the story of the Magnificat, dancing the story of the way no corner of our lives are forgotten or wasted. His mercy flows, wave after wave.

Lead like a woman. Lead through the costly, quiet, hidden places. Lead to the presence of Jesus, the God in whose life our hearts are forever safe. Lead, heart outstretched, though it costs you everything.

Lead until the world believes that the life of Jesus is good news, great joy, for all people.