Happy Birthday, Jesus—Treasures of the Heart
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Luke 2:19

December 25, 2012. My journal entry reads, “Happy Birthday, my Lord. Thank you for awakening me before anyone else so I can have a few moments alone with You. Merry Christmas…”
As I read Luke 2:19, I imagined Mary looking into her baby’s eyes. She knew she was not only seeing her baby for the first time but also seeing God, her Savior. What a thought!
I remember a miraculous December 1, 1983, when I held my first son, David. That entire month of December gave way to the beginning of treasured thoughts as I cradled him in my arms. For more than 40 years now, my heart still quickens and my eyes well with happy tears as I relive those treasured memories of David’s first month while celebrating Christmas.
My 2012 journal entry continues: This morning, I’m thinking of all the Christmases past. I remember the boys growing up and asking, many Christmas mornings, if it was time to stay up in the wee hours. On another memorable Christmas Day, we hurriedly rushed through our traditional family Christmas breakfast so we could get David back to his army base at Ft Leonard Wood on time. Only after being on the road several hours did we discover that no restaurants or fast-food spots were open on Christmas Day between our home and the base, so frozen gas-station burritos became Christmas dinner. Soon, our house will be bustling with 17 people… Thank you, my God, for making this earthly expression of love possible. Someday, I’ll spend Christmas at Your feet. Lord, bring salvation to all my family, so we’ll celebrate Your birth together in spirit and truth. Be God of us all. Be Savior and Lord. Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Today, I treasure memories in much the same way Mary must have celebrated her son’s birth year after year, recalling events and cute sayings. Yet, Mary’s thoughts were certainly much deeper!
The Bible says Mary “pondered.” To ponder is so much more than recalling happy times. Mary must have reflected on the awesomeness of Jesus’ birth. She must have spent that first month—and the rest of her son’s life—thoroughly seeking to understand the gravity of mothering God’s Son, her own Savior, and the Savior of this world. I imagine that every day she contemplated the magnitude of her son, Jesus. Messiah. Savior. Lord.
December rushes in, and we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of busyness. Do you take time to ponder the awesomeness of Jesus’ birth? Do you take time to contemplate the gravity of your Savior Jesus—God Himself—choosing to come to earth to offer salvation? Do you take time to push aside the trappings of our modern holiday season and meditate on the gift of Jesus? I hope you will, just as I am.
Application: Thank God for Jesus Christ and the work God has done in your life. Ponder the true meaning of Christ in your life.
“I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Delve Deeper: Pull out your calendar and schedule times of quiet meditation each day. Ask God to help you ponder the true meaning of Christ’s birth. How will this reflection change your December focus?