Treasured Moments

Luke 2:19 (AMP) But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart.

According to my countdown to Christmas ornament, there are 4 days, 17 hours, 12 minutes and 20 seconds until Christmas at the moment I started writing today. As I was reading Luke, on day two I was drawn to these scriptures about Mary.

Luke 2:34-35 (AMP)  Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen carefully: this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that is to be opposed—  and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 2:51 (AMP) He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Christmas can be a time of a roller coaster of emotions. We often put so much pressure on ourselves to make sure everything is perfect (myself included). I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the moments. Stop busying myself with the tasks and enjoy the moment. I believe Mary was a hands on mother. She took the time to nurture and teach Jesus, even though He was destined for something she had never experienced before.

What if we did just that this Christmas? Experience something new, something different. What if we did not plan things so much (talking about myself) and treasured where we were in the moment. You might say, “If I do not plan anything, than nothing will get done!” I am the same way. What I am saying is that when the shoulders start to tighten, the back starts to ache and all those other physical signs of anxiety starts to happen and your brain looses the ability to form the right words, take a breath and let it go. Remember to treasure the moments.

My oldest is a senior this year. He was nearly a year old, ten months old exactly, when we celebrated his first Christmas. He was the first grand baby on my side of the family. Every one was over to see this little boy enjoy Christmas. He was not old enough to open the gits, but just old enough to be a ball full of energy and participate in the day. He had (an still does) have this goofy sense of humor. The go to gifts were toys he could sit on and play. The best part about it was his smile. He has a beautiful smile. His laughter is unique. I have no idea what he future holds for him.

We are treasuring every moment with our boys. Our boys serve where ever we serve. They long to give and it brings joy to them. Wherever you are I pray that there are treasured moments that you can share with someone this Christmas. No one is meant to be alone and if you are alone, it may take a step of faith for you to walk into the doors of a church this Christmas Eve and feel welcomed. This is not the time to build walls of isolation. He is our shield and fortress. Praying for you this Christmas.

Praying you all have a Merry Christmas!