But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
My mom owns a treasure chest. For years, she has been discreetly filling it with gems, jewels, and valuables and hiding it out of sight from the world. I only know about this because she tells me. In fact, I am a frequent contributor to the gems in her treasure chest. In her special collection, the jewels are not diamonds or rubies; they are memories. They are moments of love. She somehow acknowledges them, receives them, stores them, and finds residual joy in them later. Most of the treasures have come from her children over the decades. According to her records, and the contents of this box, she is rich.
Mary felt unworthy to be the mother of Jesus, but she accepted the gift. During her pregnancy and delivery, she experienced the wonders of God, one after another. She didn’t just live through them; she cherished them. She harbored them in her heart and mind, mixing them with regular gratitude and awe. She never forgot the jewels of grace God gave her. I suspect that during the hard times (like the crucifixion), she dug through her treasure chest to remember God’s goodness and hold onto hope.
Years after his birth, Jesus said that wherever we keep our treasure, our heart and thoughts will follow. Where is your treasure? In presents? In promotions? In passing possessions? Or in God’s love?
Reflect on the gifts God has given you this year.
Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway [Wesleyan] Church, in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of “Jaded Faith” (WPH).
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
