Three Wise Women: 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna

Praise for Three Wise Women: 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna

"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." —Bret Lott, author of New York Times bestselling book Jewel and Letters and Life: On Being a Writer, On Being a Christian

“Dandi Mackall tells the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspectives of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna in these devotions, allowing readers to imaginatively inhabit the thought world of first-century Middle Eastern women. The three wise women emerge as gentle, strong, and deeply faithful. Each reflection is accompanied by Bible verses, questions to ponder, and a brief prayer.” —The Christian Century

"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." —Amy Parker, Bestselling, Award-Winning Children’s Author and podcast host

“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.” —Dr. Mary Manz Simon, award-winning author, consultant and speaker

"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." —Tish Gayle, Inscribed Books & Gifts (Cincinnati, OH)

"Paraclete Press is a premier publisher of ecumenical books with a liturgical and sacramental perspective; their Advent and Lenten books are not just staples for us, but true joys to promote. We stock almost everything they do and, in this case, we’re delighted for this lovely book by an author who is known for doing charming children’s books, YA stuff, and delightfully evangelical resources for Christian living. This may be her most sophisticated project yet and yet it carries her grace and insight. Writing from rural Ohio, she help us, as she says, “anticipate, celebrate, and marvel” at Jesus’s birth. I suppose this is designed mostly for women readership, but you know us — we’d recommend it to anyone who needs this Biblical content, this encouragement, this bit of healthy calm, published in a handsome hardback. It has illustrations and even a ribbon marker, making it a very nice gift." —Byron Borger, Hearts and Minds Books