The Theology of Motherhood

This is a passage we traditionally expect to read during Advent, not on Mother's Day. However, the passage is exceptionally relevant to the theology of motherhood. God's purpose and design for motherhood is rooted, not only in creation but redemption. We live in an age that demeans motherhood and it is having a profound impact on our society. The number of women deliberately choosing to be barren has doubled over the past three decades. This stands in stark contrast with the women of the Bible. They understood the fundamental connection between womanhood and motherhood. And what they most feared as women was barrenness. This elevated view of motherhood is rooted in theology. In creation, God commanded humanity to fill the earth with His images. He granted the woman the privilege of bringing these images into the world. After the Fall, woman would still fulfill the purpose given her in creation with the added consequence of pain. However, God also chose to bring about redemption through the woman fulfilling her purpose. The Redeemer would enter the world through the womb as the seed of the woman. Because of this promise, every woman of the covenant sought to bring children into the world with the hope that the next son born might be that Promised Redeemer. This hope was finally realized in the “highly favored” Mary. While the birth of Christ was the highpoint of motherhood, covenant mothers still continue to participate in redemption by fulfilling their maternal purpose. As Peter proclaimed on the day of Pentecost, “This promise is to you and your children.” When a Christian brings another image of God into the world, she is giving birth to an heir of the covenant.