Every year as I read the Christmas story narrated in Luke 2, I usually end up on verse 19 describing Mary treasuring these things and pondering them in her heart.
19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
I imagine Mary holding the newly swaddled Baby Jesus snuggled close to her as she contemplates the magnitude of Who she holds in her arms. Of course she is aware that she is holding the KING OF KINGS, a baby who will grow up and save the world; a tiny innocent infant who will carry that innocence His entire life. I wonder if she is questioning God as to why she, a lowly and poor woman from Nazareth, would raise Jesus, the Bread of Life? But, I am sure she takes the responsibility with upmost importance while she ponders the days, months and years ahead for sure to be filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and GLORY beyond all comprehension.
We also have this grand responsibility when we know Jesus as our Savior, allow the Holy Spirit to guide, and worship our Father daily. By treasuring this up in our heart, let us not hide it deep within, either. This gift we have received in the form of a beautiful baby boy, Jesus, should be shared with everyone only after we truly ponder His magnificence and power. Then, when we grasp the enormity of WHO we Know intimately, let the world around you encounter Him, too! Treasuring and pondering are the forerunners of our proclaiming, worshiping and serving this Emmanuel, God with US. Take time to treasure and ponder your personal relationship with Him. Evaluate where you stand in your daily worship and service. But, don't stop there. When we have a thriving relationship with Christ, our heart should burst with the knowledge of WHO we know as we can not help put proclaim His glory.
Happy New Year!
Read more...
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:16
