Treasuring All These Things

“They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And… made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. All who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart…

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,  he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
    that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.’

“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.” Luke 2:16-19,25-33

The angel’s visitation announcing she would bear the Christ set Mary’s life thereafter into a state of wonder. She treasured his promise enough to visit her cousin, for whom she also believed his promise. She received Elizabeth’s blessing, and responded to it with spontaneous praise to her God. After Jesus’ birth, she marveled at what the shepherds said, what Simeon said, what Anna said, and what He at age twelve taught in the temple and said, carefully handling and tucking inside each glorious revelation about her firstborn, God’s Son. (Luke 1:30-55; 2:36-38,41-46,49-52)

We too can savor every fresh revelation of and from our Savior. His word, people, and creation all speak to His wondrous attributes and deeds, and should daily instill adoration that transforms our thinking and worship. What am I hearing about Jesus that causes me to marvel? Are His promises inspiring awe and gratitude? Would I rejoice in the wonder, relish the meditation, and turn pondering to praise? (Psalm 19:1; Revelation 15:3)

And how will I spark consideration of Jesus in others? What portrait of His mercy can encourage the hopeless or destitute, or comfort from His compassion can console the lonely or hurting? What thanksgiving for faithful help, specific answers to prayer, personal conviction or guidance from His Spirit will I express to enlighten and bless?

“O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels.

God from true God, and
Light from Light eternal,
born of a virgin, to earth he comes!
Only-begotten Son of God the Father

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, 
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!” ~John Francis Wade (1711-1786)

Lord, may the treasures of Your grace compel days of wonder, praise, and blessing others in Your name.