Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Christmas Treasure

Dear Friend,

“And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:18-19*

The people wondered but Mary treasured.

There is a time to wonder at the acts of God, a time to stand in awe. When God goes something special in the world around you, it is appropriate to “wonder”, to praise God for these works of wonder.

Yet, Mary went beyond wondering, beyond the amazement and joy of the moment. Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

To treasure something is treat it as precious, to keep it in a safe place. To treasure something is to make that something or someone central to life. As Jesus said, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21).”

When you think of Christmas treasures, what comes to mind? The presence (or absence) of loved ones? Gifts under a tree? Cards and letters from distant friends?

For Mary, treasure was something more. Mary treasured everything she heard and experienced of Jesus. Your Christmas treasures are your memories of God’s gracious works in your life: and in particular your understanding, following and experiences of Jesus.

Know that Jesus Christ, born a babe, now stands with us in all of life in His risen power so that we may trust him, love him and be loved by him

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,

Descend to us we pray,

Cast out our sin and enter in,

Be born in us today.

Joy to you -- E. Stanley Ott            

© Copyright 2020 E. Stanley Ott

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A Christmas Treasure Moment:  Sit quietly and think about all you have heard, learned and experienced of Jesus, from the time you were a very young child to today. Ponder on these things as Mary did, treasure them.

Share some of these treasured memories with others and keep them in a safe place in your mind.

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