More than 100 women streamed into the Billy Graham Library on Friday night for the Ladies Christmas Evening—and many didn’t know what to expect.
There were Christmas lights, a buffet dinner, special desserts, worship, fellowship—and a moving message from God’s Word from guest speaker Rebekah Lyons.
But by the end of the evening, there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
Lyons, a writer, speaker and mother, spoke on the example of Mary and how her obedience to God changed the world forever.
Despite Lyons’ deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ, she struggled with overwhelming anxiety for years. “I would walk around the streets … crying out to God,” she said. “There was a spirit of fear I was walking around under. … I felt defeated. I felt discouraged.”
As she taught from the gospel of Luke, she encouraged women to trust the Lord, wait on His timing, and fearlessly declare His power to others. She told a powerful story about having four children, two of which have Down syndrome. Her son’s diagnosis at birth was a surprise, and years later, God led the couple to adopt a 5-year-old girl from China who also has Down syndrome.
One night, in the midst of a panic attack, Lyons cried out to God in desperation. “Deliver me,” she petitioned. “I cannot do this without you.” The Lord answered her prayer and freed her from years of panic attacks. “I was flooded with a supernatural peace that passes all understanding.”
Before her time on stage ended, Lyons acknowledged that life is filled with difficulty, and encouraged each woman in attendance to place their trust fully in the Lord. She also told them to pursue Him during this Christmas season. “May we be humbled before the throne, before our King,” she said.
As guests finished praying—arms wrapped around one another—and started filing into Billy Graham’s Ruth Attic bookstore to do some early shopping, it was clear that Lyons’ words had deeply touched many.
Two close friends—both named Tracy—shared that they have attended the Ladies Christmas Evening every year the Library has held it. For the past decade, the women have set aside the night to spend together and remind themselves of the reason for the season: Jesus Christ.
One shared that how Lyons’ reminder to trust God in the midst of anxiety had resonated with her, especially as she faced a difficult move this month as a mother of three.
Her friend had tears in her eyes as she talked about what the evening had meant to her. “I don’t think there’s a person in there who wasn’t touched,” Tracy said.
But while she was especially grateful for this evening, she also shared that time at the Library is always a blessing. “I feel like a new person every time I’m here,” she said.
Make plans to visit Christmas at The Library today.
