January 1 Ponder The Treasure

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

THIS works out to be a good New Year meditation as we look back and look ahead.
     I’ve often pictured Mary looking at her baby while considering all the events that have led her to that moment. Or would she have been thinking about his future and about hers and Joseph’s future as ones to oversee this Messiah-child? Would she be thinking about her family’s future and her people’s future?
     As Luke used the word “treasure” it indicates to us that Mary was putting great value on what God was doing. God came to her, a virgin. To assure Mary of the miraculous promise, he then guided her to the miracle of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Next, the Lord led Joseph to accept a pregnant wife. God protected this couple from their culture’s stigmas and moved them to the manger this night. With these steps completed, the Father celebrated his Son Jesus’ entrance into the world! The light of his glory burst forth in the night sky over the sheep pastures.
     Putting these events together, Mary most assuredly knew there would be more wonders to behold. She, of faith, would treasure God’s choosing her to live amid these events. She would treasure, too, his plan for her future and Israel’s future. I believe she was emotionally and spiritually preparing herself for a life that would witness the Savior of the world grow into manhood. She knew that in each moment as she gazed upon this child, she would celebrate what God had done and anticipate what he would do next.
     Here is the good news of the Savior born. On this new day in a new year, open afresh your eyes, heart, mind and soul to ponder and treasure the miracles of the Savior come. Keep your eyes on Jesus each moment of your life. Rejoice in whom God has given you in his Son, the Savior. Anticipate the wonders of his love now and forever.  

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your amazing gift. Put my mind upon the Savior to treasure the wonders of your favor upon me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.