Christmas Devotional

Kim Gove

When I think on the Christmas story, the verse that is prominent in my mind this year is “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). This verse found in Luke’s account of the Christmas story has similar words throughout Luke including when Jesus was found talking with the teachers in the temple as a boy: “Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:49-51)

What Mary was pondering in her heart is not specified in the second chapter of Luke, however, it does follow the account of Christ’s birth. Rather than worrying about serving her guests, Mary may have joined in with the shepherds having hope in the promise of the Savior of the World. Rather than dwelling on her and Joseph’s long and uncomfortable travel to Bethlehem, Mary may have cherished the quaint nature of the birth of her firstborn son. Rather than focusing on the smell of the manger scene, Mary may have focused on the glory of the star over the stable which led the worshipping Wise Men. Rather than focusing on her social status and opinions cast upon her by society as a single woman with a baby, Mary may have instead of treasured her small part in the story of the salvation of the world.

What can we learn from these verses? It is easy for us to look back on the birth of Christ and see how Jesus’ birth builds upon the foundation for the rest of the gospel. Mary, however, most likely could only imagine the future of her little baby. Instead of focusing on what may be going “wrong” in the moment, we, like Mary, should instead focus and think upon the blessings of today. May we hope and wait for God to show himself through our present trials. May we find peace in His promises despite our present physical tribulations. May we find joy in the daily miracles God provides us. May we put aside our differences and preconceived notions and instead love those who God places in our paths.

We cannot do anything more for Christ this Christmas, but we can come worshipping in his presence pondering upon his blessings given to us and our small part in the metanarrative of sharing his love to all the world.