“but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.”-Luke 2:19
As we approach Christmas day, let’s all be reminded to take some time to slow down, breath deep, be still, and ponder just how significant Christmas really is. What I am referring to when I say to really ponder Christmas, I am thinking about taking our "foot off the gas” with busyness so to speak, intentionally taking time to reflect on, to contemplate, just what God has done. For here is what God has done, according to the angel who announced with excitement long ago, “Don't be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”-Luke 2:10-11
Not long after Jesus was born, after the angel announced to some shepherds Christ’s birth, and after the shepherds came to see Jesus for themselves, Mary pondered just how special it was what God had done. We read this sweet verse, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Mary took time to meditate on what God had done. Mary treasured what God had done in her heart. Would that not be a great thing for us to do as well?
It truly is astounding what our God has done! In sending Christ, we see just how good God is. We see how loving God is. Jesus explained it like this, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Christ humbly came as a child to ultimately sacrifice Himself on our behalf so that all who believe in Him would be saved eternally.
Let's be encouraged to unhurriedly read the Christmas story again in Matthew 1-2, in Luke 1-2. Then take a slow walk, or sit in a quiet place with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Ponder the Incarnation and praise God for what He has done! Let your heart be warmed with the Savior's love. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. What Good News!.
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott