By Grant Kaul, Senior Pastor

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:16-19

Something has taken hold of my mother.  Several years ago, my parents purchased an iPad.  Mom’s use of her new toy/tool reveals what she really treasures.  Let’s just say, that her memory, in more ways than one, is filled with scenes of her family — especially her grandkids.  She has countless hours of pictures and videos of the grandkids in action:  footballs being thrown, piano songs being performed, gymnastic routines being practiced, kids playing, newborns learning to stand, and hundreds of shots from everyday life.

What is interesting about my mother’s use of the iPad is not that she has captured all of these memories, but that they have captured her.  She simply loves watching and reliving the moments that have come to mean so much to her.  Just ask my mom, she would be happy to share!  This shouldn’t be a big surprise, for we treasure what we truly value.

This is what we find Mary doing with all of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.  She was simply overcome with wonder at the incarnation of Christ.  She didn’t just pass through the events of her life; she dwelled upon them, letting their significance routinely flood her heart.  The pattern of regularly pondering the wonders of Jesus is the path of joy and maturity.

As we draw near to the day we celebrate the coming of Christ, let us make the most of this season by daily reflecting and rejoicing over the majesty and the miraculous reality of Immanuel, who is God with us (Matt.1:23).  Time reflecting leads to times of rejoicing.