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“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  Luke 2:19 and “but His mother kept all these things in her heart”  Luke 2:51b

Christmas past unfolds memories of firsts.  The first time we sat on Santa’s lap or stood in line with our list. We probably never forgot that special gift we thought wouldn’t find its way under tree.  And let’s be honest, our first glimpse of those sparkling lights wrapped around a bundle of pine left us wide-eyed in awe and wonder.

Ever so easy to allow life’s disappointments, challenges and unexpected happenings to squelch the wonder of Christmas present.  We plan, prepare and strategize every minute detail zeroed in on ensuring everyone’s day is perfectly filled with awe and wonder – as our wonder slips out the door of exhaustion.

I settled down after a hectic week to spend this past Saturday with Mommy Martin as she celebrated 88 years of life.  In the quietness of a rainy morning,  I read the Christmas story from Luke 2 – beautiful words unfolding the glory of Jesus’ birth.  Mommy Martin listened intently as I read taking in every detail.  When I finished reading, I shared how much I loved how Mary pondered and kept many things about baby Jesus to herself.

It was a sweet moment hearing the excitement in Mommy’s aged voice as she talked about baby Jesus.  We talked about all the things Mary pondered and what it must have been like to know she truly was the mother of Jesus.   Mommy Martin’s face glowed as she talked about the manger, all the ridicule Mary & Joseph probably faced, the unwed teen betrothed to Joseph and Mary’s bravery. Despite her 88 years, the wonder and awe of the Christmas story was fresh and real in her heart.

As seasoned Christians, we can easily lose our awe for the Christmas story amid all the craziness and details of the holidays.  Disappointments can land us unmoved by the glorious celebration of Jesus’ birth and entrance into our world. However, it’s not just the 25th but God’s divine intervention to bridge the gap between God and man.  It‘s His incredible gift to each of us.

I hope when I’m 88 my face is still aglow with the awe of Jesus’ birth – truly captivated by the wonder of it all.  And I hope God will find me enthralled with the beauty of His love for me in all my Christmas future.

The countdown to Christmas is winding down…just one more day….how will we celebrate His birth?   Will awe describe us?  Will wonder fill our eyes?

Let’s steal aways some time to ponder in our hearts all God has done for us and share it with our world. Let’s never lose the wonder and awe of Immanuel – God with us.

“Father, fill our hearts with aw and wonder as we celebrate Your Son’s birth – Your gift to us that first Christmas morn.”

Merry Christmas to you and all your family and friends.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life