7th Christmas Thought

This is the last of the “Christmas Thoughts” or at least that series. I am sure there will be at least one more on Christmas. It is such an important time in our faith, but it is also probably the busiest time in our “Church Calendar” and with God’s help and another cup of coffee we will make it through this one too!

“But Mary treasured up these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19 NIV) Imagine, the mother of Jesus, the one visited by the angel and told that she would carry the very child of the Most High God, pondered on the events. The mother of Jesus had just been witness to a wonderful visitation. Shepherds, lowly shepherds, came and told her that angels had heralded the very birth of her child. Choruses from heaven sang to the world that a Savior had been born and that was truly Good News to all men. She had already been told she would name Him Jesus, because this baby who was at that time wrapped in swaddling clothes, would save His people from their sin. Scripture says “She pondered.”

We could understand if she jumped up and down with joy, or if she immediately started doing the “motherly” thing and planning out how he would accomplish this overwhelming task, but the story tells us “she pondered.”

When one “ponders” they consider or examine attentively. They meditate, mull over, muse, revolve, roll, ruminate or turn over a thought or idea. There is deliberate action in pondering.

Has Christmas lost this attitude? In the midst of all that is to be done for family, friends and yes even church, have we lost what Mary found at that moment when all became validated? I hope not and I pray that during this Christmas season you find the time to ponder. Take a look into the cradle of a nativity scene and think about what you see.

Innocence! Not just the innocence of a new born baby, but of a God who knew no sin. Innocence! In just a few short years this innocence would be wracked with the pain of being made sin; becoming my sin and yours so that we might experience fully the love of our Righteous Father.

Let us never forget that we celebrate the “Good News”, the Gospel of God during this season. May our joy be made complete in understanding that this baby boy whom Mary holds was born for one reason; the cross! May that realization bring to each of us a new devotion and a deeper dedication to what God has called us to be and do.

So from all the support staff at “donny’sthinkin” (me and Debbie) we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and may the peace of the advent and the call that comes with find a place in your heart.