There are just five women named in the family tree of Jesus, found in Matthew 1:1-17. The first woman named is Tamar, whose story is told in Genesis 38. Though she is a Canaanite, a Gentile, and twice a widow, Tamar's pursuit of justice and righteousness welcomes us into the Advent season, as we consider the need for the birth of Christ and God's redeeming work in the world.