In my Advent meditation, I was struck by the inclusion of four women by Matthew, the most Jewish of all the Gospels, in the genealogy of Jesus.

Tamar, the abused Canaanite woman, whose shameful inability to conceive, ended up seducing her father-in-law into an incestuous relationship.
Ruth, the Moabite woman who was a disgraced widow and refugee with an unstinting loyalty to her mother-in-law.
Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, whose bravado saved the lives of two spies.
Bathsheba, the Hittite woman, whose adulterous relationship with King David ended with the cold-blooded murder of her husband, Uriah.

If Matthew wanted to mention women, he could at least have included more illustrious and nobler women like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel or Leah.

Matthew’s choice was un-Jewish, un-male, unconventional and most of all, un-royal. After all, he was setting out to prove the royal blood line of Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

To cap it off, Jesus had a scandalous conception. Philip Yancey wrote most poignantly, “Nine months of awkward explanations, the lingering scent of scandal – it seems that God arranged the most humiliating circumstances possible for his entrance.”

So, what was Matthew’s point? I believe he wanted to remind us of the character of God.

1. Love for the Unlovable
In courageously listing these Gentile women of shady character and ill-repute, Matthew made it abundantly clear that we are God’s original plan, not His second option. He is the universal King who loves not only the Jews but also the Gentiles. God loves the unlovable.

If we feel unloved and unlovable, remember that He loves us. Period. Unconditionally and unreservedly.

This Christmas, I can bask in the grace and mercy of this love. It should propel me to love those who are unlovable and unloved in my network.

I can love because God is love and this God of love dwells in my heart. The question is, “Am I willing?”

Yet, I recognize that I can’t love as He loves. I don’t have His capacity to love. What I can resolve to do is to nurture His love in my heart and learn to love the unlovable in my life.

2. Hope for the Hopeless
In addition to including these women of reprehensible and disgraceful character, Matthew was the only Gospel writer who recorded the merciless slaughter of innocent babies in Bethlehem by the despotic, psychotic King Herod.

Herod’s career was marked by one of the worst massacres in history. He also murdered his wife, Marianne, his two sons and his two brothers-in-law. Further, he decreed that on the day he died, citizens were to be executed so that at least, there was mourning in the country.

This unresolved insecurity, irrational anger and uncontrollable hatred in Herod was madly aroused when the Magi refused to return to inform him of Jesus’ birthplace, resulting in this unprecedented, heinous massacre.

Many must have trembled in deep fear and hopelessness. Such was the historical setting and horrendous circumstances accompanying the birth of Jesus.

Why?
Because He is the Hope for the hopeless. Jesus came to love and die, even for King Herod. The sacrifice was made for all who are constantly living in unimaginable fears, imminent threats and terrifying uncertainties.

How does Matthew know?
Because he himself was the recipient of such love and hope. He was a tax-collector who cheated, branded as a traitor and despised by his fellow Jews.

Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” I can only imagine these words being indelibly etched in the mind and heart of Matthew throughout his lifetime.

When I feel drowned in self-doubt, unanswered questions, hidden pains, and intoxicating addictions, I am reminded that God is the Hope for the hopeless.

Hallelujah!

May we experience this Hope this season. May we embrace this Hope, enough to share the Good News with those who, like us, desperately need the light at the end of the tunnel.

He is The Reason for the Season.