Treasuring Christmas
I’ve always been intrigued by the phrase that, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). What does it mean to “treasure” the events that took place on the night Jesus was born?
A close look at the phrase notes the word translated “treasured up” is from a Greek word meaning to preserve or keep within one’s self. It includes the ideas of observing and remembering.
Just as Mary treasured her memories that first Christmas, God calls us to treasure the moments He gives us during this special time of the year. How can we reflect on the true reason for the season?
First, make time to reflect on the true Christmas story.
The baby in the manger is still the Savior of the world. Yes, it’s great to see family members, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals, but nothing compares with God entering our world in human form. Luke 2:8-11 reminds us:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Second, make time to reflect with other believers this Christmas.
Whether at a special local church service or in a home among close friends, set aside an occasion this Christmas to remember the real purpose of the holiday with your Christian friends and family. Sing Christmas carols, read through the biblical Christmas accounts in Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 1:18-2:12, and pray together, thanking God for sending Jesus as Savior of the world.
Third, make time to reflect through helping someone this Christmas season.
As God has come to us, He calls us to go to those in need. Whether helping a child in need of gifts or an elderly individual in need of attention, there is a place each of us can serve.
At this time of year, church and community opportunities to serve those in need are readily available. Don’t pass up the divine moments God has placed in your path to share His love with someone who needs it.
Fourth, make time to record God’s work during the past year.
We often quickly forget the many ways God has blessed us. What if we took a few moments to share or write down some of the many ways the Lord has helped us this year? When we remember what He has done in our lives, we find our hearts overjoyed with worship for the One who came for us on that first Christmas.
Like Mary, we can “treasure up” the ways God works in our lives. Yet it does not happen by accident. When we intentionally reflect on the true story of Christmas, experience it with others, help those in need, and look back at what God has done in our lives, we’ll find ourselves treasuring Christmas in much greater way.
