12/17/2025
With less than 10 days to the end of our "Christmas Through African Eyes Devotional" what new insights to the Christmas Story have you gained?
Today, we learn about childlessness. John the Baptist's parents had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. But God had Zechariah's prayer and gave them a son. This son would prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.
In Africa, childlessness is considered a serious problem. Families often expect to hear the “good news” soon after a couple’s wedding. Childless women in some contexts are blamed for breaking taboos or are accused as witches and mistreated.
God views childlessness differently. Elizabeth, Hannah, Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel served the Lord, as did their husbands. But they still experienced infertility. We should avoid judgemental attitudes such as, “It is because of their sin that they are without children.” We don’t always understand our Lord’s decisions.
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