(Matthew 1:1-17)----"THE WOMEN WHO MADE CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE"
Intro: It seems odd for a preacher to tackle reading the Lord's genealogy in an attempt to inspire people, but the purpose of this genealogy is to show that Jesus was Jewish in His ancestry.  The record here begins with Abraham and ends with Mary and Joseph. (Luke's account goes back from Jesus to Adam & Eve!). What is unusual is that there are five women named in this genealogy. According to Jewish history, women were never given a part in anyone's genealogy. But here on our Lord's family tree, there are five "beautiful blossoms" (as one man called them) that deserve our attention today. For in these five women is seen the marvelous saving grace of God. Women today take the ACTIVE ROLE is christmas...they cook, shop, decorate, etc.  However the bible states that God used women in even a grander way long before Mary was born to bring christmas into what it is today!
I. THE BLOSSOMS
A. V.3 Thamar - Gen. 38:1-30 - The incestuous daughter in law of Judah. Thamar was also a Canaanite, hence a Gentile. Two-strikes!
B. V. 5 Rahab - Joshua 2:1-24 - Rahab was a Gentile, a Prostitute, and the member of a doomed race! Three-strikes!
C. V.5 Ruth - The Book that bears her name - Ruth was a Moabitess, a Gentile. She was the poor widow of an Israelite, but she was moral and upright. She was of a faithful character and a kind spirit. She was also a believer in the God of Israel.
D. V.6 Bathsheba - 2 Sam. 11 - Bathsheba was the adulterous wife of a Gentile man named Uriah, 2 Sam. 11:3. She committed adultery on her husband while he was away at war, became pregnant as a result of the affair, and did not tell him what had happened. She was probably aware of her lover's plans to murder her husband to cover up the sin, and did nothing to stop it.
E. V. 16 Mary - Luke 1:26-38 - Mary was a young, pure Israelite girl. She was evidently very religious and was willing to yield her life and her reputation to the hand of a God.
In this list of women, five are mentioned. Four were Gentiles, one a Jew. Three of these women were openly sinful, the other two practiced a religious lifestyle. These five came from five different nationalities. With all these differences, they all shared two things in common. 1.) They are mentioned as ancestors of Jesus. 2.) They were all sinners and in need of a Savior! Ill. Us, Rom. 3:23; 5:12! These are the blossoms, now let's notice:
II. THE BLESSINGS
For most people, it may be hard to see how these women are blossoms. Some might even say they appear to be thorns. But as we dig a little deeper into who they were, it becomes clear that there is a tremendous blessing here for every child of God, and for every sinner!
The meaning of the names of each woman mentioned in the Lord's FAMILY TREE is where the blessing lies for you and me. Because in the names of these 5 ancient women, each in the family of Jesus, we can see His love and grace on display.
1. Tamar - Palm tree - This refers to stability and life giving power! (Ill. An oasis in a burning desert.) Jesus stabilizes all of life. He gives purpose to the wayward soul. He is also the fountain of life. Men are dead apart from Him, Eph. 2:1, and are made alive when they believe on His name - Acts 16:31; 1 John 5:12! (Ill. Victory)
2. Rahab - Wide, Broad - (Ill. Not a sought after name among women folks!) It has reference to the love and the grace of God. God's love is broad, it extends to all men - Jer. 31:3; John 3:16. His grace is available to all men - Rom. 10:13! (Ill. Heb. 11:31 - Jesus can totally transform the sinner's life!)
3. Ruth - A Friend - If there was ever a friend to the sinner, it was and is Jesus! Matt. 11:19! His love for His friends was so deep that He was willing to demonstrate it by dying on a cross - John 15:13.  What He endured for His friends!
4. Bathsheba - Daughter of Complete Satisfaction - What daddy has ever looked at a daughter and been less than satisfied?   The soul's satisfaction is found in none other than the Lord Jesus Himself!    Psa. 107:9. Jesus is rest and contentment for the sin weary soul! - Matt. 11:28!
5. Mary - Their Rebellion - What a contrast between her name and her attitude! It is our rebellion against God that is taking men to Hell! God wants one thing and our sinful flesh wants another. In Jesus, there is total reconciliation! He never lowers God's standards, He raises ours! He turns our rebellion into love and devotion to the will and way of God.   In these five women is seen the complete portrait of our Lord's love and plan of salvation for fallen man. 
III. THE BEAUTY
It doesn't matter what in your life people perceive as a hindrance, Jesus can and will save and use you right now! He is not concerned with:
1. Your Origin		2. Your Ancestry	3. Your Station In Life 		4. Your Past Sins 	
5. Your Future Plans 	6. Your Present State
He will turn no one away - John 6:37. If a person comes to Jesus today, He will receive them, save them, and He will give them eternal life and a home in Heaven someday!  You cannot be a part of His ancestry, but you can be a part of His lineage. All it takes is a step of faith on your part. (By the way, faith is what saved these women, and it is all that can save you, Eph. 2:8-9!