Christmas Treasures

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart…
And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19, 51b

            One of my favorite Christmas memories is from Christmas 2002. This was the year that my Granny visited from Canada. Granny brought with her the British Christmas tradition of baking a fruitcake. This delicious, moist dessert was filled with dried and candied fruits of all kinds. But what I looked forward to the most was the hidden money. That Christmas, I bit into a slice of cake to discover a Canadian quarter that I could claim for my piggybank. Others of my siblings would discover a Loonie (1-dollar Canadian coin) and a Twoonie (2-dollar Canadian coin). It was our Christmas treasure.

      What are your Christmas treasures? Do you treasure the moments when you are surrounded by family? Do you treasure the thoughtful presents that you are able to give (and receive)? Or maybe it’s the food that you will get to enjoy. It could be that your treasures are wonderful memories of Christmas past. Whatever form your treasures take, they are what makes Christmas special.

     On the very first Christmas, Mary found herself a bystander as the miracle unfolded. First, the angel came and announced that she would carry a son named Jesus. Then, Mary traveled to Bethlehem with her fiancé where Jesus would be born in a simple barn. Next, the visitors came. Shepherds came from the fields having seen angels. Wisemen came from the orient having seen a star. Some years later, Simeon and Anna would prophecy concerning Jesus in the temple. Luke records that Mary treasured these memories. Jesus was the very first Christmas treasure.

Little did Mary know the full extent of the treasure in her arms. The Christmas carol puts it this way:
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

 Let’s reconsider our Christmas treasures this Christmas. Gifts will wear out. Fruitcake is eaten.  Money will lose its value. Memories fade. School and work resume. True Christmas treasure is found in the hearts of believers. Our treasure is the Christ-child – the One born in the manger, dying for our sins, and preparing an eternal place for us that we can call home!

Treasuring our Savior,      Pastor Matthew