Mary treasured the events of Jesus' birth and pondered on all the things the shepherds shared about the heavenly host of angels announcing Jesus' birth. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Later in the same chapter the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem at the temple to listen and ask questions in the midst of the teachers. After three days, Joseph and Mary found him and Jesus said to them, "Why is it you are looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" And they did not understand Jesus' statement to them. Again the scriptures tell us Mary treasured and pondered all these things in her heart.
What do you treasure and ponder on during this Christmas season? Is it the Christmas music, the holiday baking, the visits from friends and family, finding exactly the right gift for each person on your list or all of the above. As we approach the last two days before Christmas morning, remember to take time to put Christ first in your family celebration.
Here are a few of my treasured memories from our family Christmas':
1. Wrap the baby Jesus from your manger scene as a gift. Open it first and have one of your children place it in the manger scene.
2. Wrap your Bible with a large red bookmark made of ribbon or paper and place it under the Christmas tree or on your table at breakfast or dinner. Open it first and read Luke 2:1-20 for your family.
3. Assign members in the family parts and reenact the story. Make your costumes with sheets, bathrooms or towels. Be creative.
May this Christmas become a day of treasured memories for you and your family.