**Moving in unexpected ways**For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIVUK)Even though there had been many prophecies about the Messiah’s coming, people didn’t expect him to be born of a young woman from Nazareth. As an unknown, ordinary girl, Mary was an unlikely candidate. Yet she was the person God chose to give birth to Jesus.In many cultures today, women are still unlikely candidates. Many have limited power and influence in the public sphere, and might not be seen by people around them as potential changemakers. But God sees things differently and uses seemingly unlikely candidates to do his work. In South Sudan, women are committing to be ambassadors of peace in their homes and communities, working together to unite across tribal divides. Similarly, God is working through other women – often behind the scenes – to heal what is broken and bring hope to the hopeless.How could God be working through unexpected people and places in our families, communities and churches? Pray for God to open our eyes to where and how he is working around us and show us how to join in.