Michael's school recently sent out a new devotional in time for Christmas that I really love.
So if you are a parent, check it out. I know I can relate to exactly what she's talking about - all the moments in my mind's eye that I cherish so much. I can't imagine being Mary and seeing all this unfold before you, knowing of God's promise for your son.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Scripture: Luke 2: 13-20
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
I was reading through the Christmas story the other day, and a verse jumped out at me in a way it never had before…I was struck by verse 19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” This is only my third Christmas as a mom, so I suppose, in all those prior years, I never quite knew what this verse really meant…but now I think I do…
My absolute FAVORITE thing about being a mom is taking in those quiet, precious moments – those moments you wish everyone could see, but only you see. I love those moments when, unexpectedly, my daughter does something so adorable that I smile throughout my whole body….or those moments when she does something so funny I laugh until I cry….or (my absolute favorite) when she just stops what she’s doing and comes over to me and gives me a hug, and then goes right back to playing. Although I try to recount those amazing little moments to my husband or a friend later on, my account never quite does the moment justice. Those moments – shared only between a child and a parent, in a way only a parent can fully appreciate – are the ones that epitomize the joy of being a parent. I can replay them in my memory at any time, and they always bring a smile to my face. No one else quite understands those moments like me. No one else quite understands your special moments with your children like you do.
I believe that’s what Mary was doing here….while everyone was joyously celebrating and declaring the greatness of Jesus, she was breathing in the joy of being a mom. She was burning the image of Jesus’ little newborn face into her memory forever. She knew the importance of what was happening, but she had a perspective that was slightly different from everyone else. She was aware – even more than those around her – of the amazingness of the moment she was experiencing.
Unfortunately, Christmas has become a time of busyness and chaos for many families, but I believe Jesus would want us to celebrate His birthday in a more quiet and intimate way….just like His mother did. Don’t be afraid to back away from some of the typical Christmas activities and enjoy some special moments with your family.
Last year, my family decided to make some changes to our Christmas season, and we put most of our efforts into spending time together as a family. A year later, one of my favorite memories of my daughter is still her holding my hand and smiling up at me while we walked around and looked at Christmas lights last December. I don’t really remember much about opening presents on Christmas morning, but I remember clearly what her face looked like in that moment, and I treasure that memory.
Give yourself permission to set aside the tasks of the Christmas season and allow yourself to simply enjoy being a mom or a dad to your kids. That is, perhaps, one of the greatest ways we can celebrate the birth of Jesus…
