As we get closer to Christmas our thoughts turn towards Jesus' birth. Over the years I have considered different parts of the Nativity. Often wondering what it would have been like for each of the people involved. There are many wonderful picture books written from a different perspectives. All of which still choke me up year after year at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This year as I have been wrapped up in the middle of writing a devotional book for mothers, a single verse stuck out in the book of Luke.
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
My mind has been focused this year on the connection between our relationship with God and how that is reflected in our relationship with our children.
Here we see Mary soaking in everything that has been going on around her. Remembering most likely her visit with the angel Gabriel, her miraculous pregnancy, Jesus birth, and the visit with the shepherds. So much to take in all at once especially having just given birth, and in a stable! God had come down and touched her life very personally. He was real and faithful in His promises. So Mary treasured this moment in her heart. There were no iPhones around to snap a photo. Mary could not even grasp the magnitude of all that had happened. But she knew it was a special moment and this was an incredibly special baby.
As a mom I can relate to Mary. The miracle of birth, even in all the chaos that follows, amazes us as we hold our precious new born. These treasured moments connect us to our little one and the One who created this little miracle.
In the busyness of life do you still take time to treasure moments and think about them?
Do you stand in awe of all God has done in your life?
Do you pause during your day to be present with your children?
To savor the moment and take a picture in your mind. There is so much more to remember than a photograph can show. The feelings, the events surrounding that moment and the significant meaning of it all. Some times as mothers we get caught up in the details of life, our to-do lists and work. Time passes all too quickly and we realize we rely on Facebook memories to remember special events in our lives.
Take a lesson from Mary. This Christmas I encourage you to take the time to thank God for all the blessings in your life. Consider the magnitude, wonder and events of the first Christmas. Worship Jesus, who came personally into the world to rescue, love and forgive us. And be sure to pause in the midst of your festivities to enjoy being with your kids. Treasure all these things. Store them in your heart and think about them.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
For devotionals that truly touch on what it means to be both a daughter of the The Lord and a mother to your children, visit www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/joyful-motherhood for a FREE sample of my new book Joyful Motherhood. Available on Kindle and Amazon.
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