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

How crazy is your Christmas prep? My friend Jill always used to say “I’m too busy to scratch myself.” I’m feeling a little of that this year. Competing needs of two teenagers, a busy military husband, wrapping up the ministry I lead for the break, trying to build a writing career, the endless leaves (still not quite all in and we are 72 bags down), and I must confess, Christmas planning is a little bit of a pipe dream.

Each of these tasks is a gift from God, even the teenagers! But the to do list is longer than the daylight – and raking leaves needs daylight or a bigger head torch than my neck will support. Plus my pesky people need feeding and driving and keeping clean. And then I have to sleep.

Meanwhile Mary…

But (breathe easy, rant over), my season is nothing compared to Mary’s. As if getting engaged isn’t fuss enough. She then got pregnant in an unconventional way, then her cousin’s unborn child leaped in utero at the child Mary was carrying. There was the most uncomfortable trip on a donkey while heavily pregnant, and delivering her baby in a stable. And as if that isn’t enough, some shepherds, who’d been recruited by an angel came to pay their respects.

Mary’s response? She treasured all these things up in her heart and pondered them. I am not a drinker, but I might’ve either reached for the gin or asked for a nice trip to a mental wellbeing retreat. Seems Jesus’ mum was well chosen. She recognized there was something special happening. Then, despite the chaos that her life surely must have been, she focused on what was important. That God loved her and me and you enough to send his only son to save us.

You and I…

This Christmas, I hope you can treasure and ponder God’s abundant care of you, and rejoice in the special moments, despite the chaos. Merry Christmas and thank you for being part of the family at The Word on Wednesday.