Advent is a time for delight and depth. The weeks are sugar-sprinkled with concerts, parties, favorite shows, Christmas cards from long-time friends. Meanwhile, the quiet of snow beckons reflection. The book Three Wise Women by D. D Mackall provided spiritual beauty for me like cherished tree decorations, one ornament at a time. I received this book from a friend, who also loves the Biblical figures of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna as I do. The small chapters supported by Scriptural references gave the reader close-up and personal glimpses of these fine ladies. The author described dimensions of life in what would one day be called the Holy Land. With the three women we could feel the climate, understand the anxieties and glories, and walk through a typical day—all supported by Adonai. Others occasionally entered the chapter, such as Joseph who tried to find work in Bethlehem and came back empty-handed.

Here are some of my favorite passages. Elizabeth describes her six-month old son John as almost too heavy to carry. Mary describes the Court of Women on the day of her purification and realizes that separating Gentiles will no longer be needed, since the Messiah is the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles. Anna speaks of her 84 years in the Temple, how her strength has abandoned her; however, she realizes God is her strength, and this gives her an intimacy with God that she lacked in her younger years. Another page tells of Mary having to tell her mom and dad that she is pregnant—an event we usually associate with Joseph finding out.

Mackall’s writing allowed the imagination to take flight, such as the time Joseph felt wronged that no one recognized the Messiah except the shepherds. And the time Anna witnessed Mary’s reaction when Simeon foretold the sword that would pierce Mary’s heart. The reader felt how the message weighed on the blessed mother’s small shoulders. Perhaps this book could be next year’s Christmas present.