Treasure

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning the Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and treasured them in her heart.
Luke 2: 17-19

Webster's dictionary defines "treasure" as: to value greatly, to cherish.

In those days surrounding Jesus' birth, the laws were strict about a maiden being pregnant out of wedlock. The law stated that Joseph, Mary's betrothed, had the right to put her away from him, and even to have her stoned to death, if he wished. We can only imagine how stressed she was as she waited for that first Christmas. But God made His promises known to her through Elizabeth's blessing and Zecharias' prophecies. And, after Jesus' birth, the shepherds came to worship the Babe, and shared with Mary the words of the angels.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

These words comforted Mary and filled her with joy. The scripture says Mary kept all these things, and treasured them in her heart. To her these were treasured memories to hold in her heart all her lifetime.

In this Christmas season, as we stress over the holiday duties that tax our minds, energies, time, and pocketbooks, perhaps we, like Mary, should stop and once more, rejoice at the words of the angels.

Let us all treasure in our hearts the memories of both our own past Christmases, as well as that special First Christmas.

Dear Lord, We thank you for all our wondrous memories created in this coming Christmas season. And thank you for allowing us to treasure the magic of that first Christmas Season in the our hearts. Amen.

Elizabeth Halpain--2009