Advent Devotions – December 20th

Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

To treasure – the Greek definition is from two words meaning to keep closely together, i.e. (by implication) to conserve (from ruin); mentally, to remember (and obey), keep.

In recent years scrapbooking has found a renewed interest to many (or obsessive hobby to some). I have seen some beautiful and creative books – works of art, really – artistically and lovingly fashioned to preserve the memories of a family throughout generations, lest they be forgotten. Mary was a woman, just like us. I wonder… did she keep anything from that incredible night? Did she save a bit of hay, perhaps, a piece of Jesus’ swaddling wraps (much like we might snip a corner of our son or daughter’s first blanket as a bit of cherished memorabilia), tucked away somewhere?  A stone that, year after year on Jesus’ birthday, she would hold tenderly in the palm of her hand as she prayed?

Today take a bit of something in your life to remind you of God’s love to you this day. Maybe you will clip the date from today’s newspaper, or save a receipt from a shopping trip, or pick up your own small pebble from your yard as you look out at the sky to remember that God is with us today, just as He was with Mary 2,000 years ago.

Treasure the gift of this present moment today to remember/honor our Savior.