Luke 2:19

New International Version (NIV)

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

For meditation

The shepherds came to Mary and Joseph, rejoicing. They had received the best news ever from the angel of God, seen and heard the angelic choir live, and were praising the Lord. Astounded, they hurried to Bethlehem to feast their eyes on the Savior, who is Christ the King (Lk. 2:8-12). Now, they could share their story and joy with everyone around them as they returned to the field. They had seen the Babe lying in the manger, the confirmation of the good tidings of great joy that the angels shared with them. Mary, however, treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (19). What things?

Was it not every piece of revelation of God’s glory in and through the Baby she was nursing? Add that to the angelic visitation, the divine assignment, the purpose of the child’s birth, and the sign of Elizabeth’s conception. We have the prophetic confirmation that greeted her in Elizabeth’s home, and her Spirit-filled song she sang. Then there is her first experience of labor, the wonder of cuddling God, the Christ-child, in her arms, and the shepherds’ story about the angelic orchestra. Glory be to God, you have a massive trove of treasure beyond any of Mary’s earthly possessions. That, my friend, is how blessed we are to share with her at Christmas. Her treasure is our treasure in the Baby she carried, bore, and mothered. How can we miss such heavenly blessings to enrich our hearts or exchange them for Santa’s gifts under our Christmas trees?

Many go treasure-hunting in rugged terrain and return empty-handed, disappointed, and drained, but thank God we don’t. God has graciously enriched us with His treasure, the gift of His only Son, Christ Jesus, for eternity without those struggles. What grace!

May God sharpen your vision to behold the Treasure of Christmas as your heart opens to the wonder of the Godchild Mary nursed in the manger. For that’s the extent of God’s love gift to the world we celebrate at Christmas (Jn. 3:16).

Pray with Me

Father, please open our hearts to receive the treasure of heaven in the Person of your Son, Jesus Christ, given to us at Christmas. Out of your glorious riches, may you “strengthen us with power through [Your] Spirit in our inner being” to have Christ dwell in our hearts through faith. Root and establish us in your love so we may have power to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that [we] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” this Christmas. Amen!

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