Luke 2:19

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19.

I know the Christmas story, yet this particular statement was new to me. How could I have missed this before? Perhaps I had been too caught up in the birth to even recognize a powerful moment summed up in one sentence.

Being a mom, I can certainly better relate to Mary now than pre-kids. And having re-read this passage of Scripture while caring for an infant has brought new meaning and understanding to its significance. 

My favorite moments with Hunter are after he's finished eating. He could be asleep or awake; I treasure both equally. In those sleepy moments, he's snuggled up close, content, warm, and secure. How hard it is to put him down, even when it means I could then sleep! During those times when he's still awake, he gazes up at me, a gummy grin on his face, again, so happy, and secure in my love. Even as I write this, I feel inadequate at describing or capturing these moments. These are moments that I treasure and try to store up for I know that they are all too fleeting. 

And then I think about Mary. I can only imagine that she shared some of those same thoughts and feelings, coupled with an enormity I cannot comprehend: she cradled in her arms the Christ-child, God's Son, sent to save us from our sins. She probably didn't know how He would save us, but can you imagine how she must have felt knowing that her son eventually would save the world? Jesus, snuggled and cuddled close to Mary, probably felt secure, safe, warm, and content, just like Hunter does when he's in my arms. But could Mary have felt that same way about Him? What a strange and wonderful feeling that must have been, knowing that the same child who drew comfort from her would one day be her comfort and security. How many of us can relate to that? 

So as we approach Christmas, let us ponder the tenderness, the beauty of Christ's birth, and those fleeting moments in Mary's arms, and remember the loving gift God gave us in such a humble fashion.