Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Treasured Christmas Memories

. . . making cookies with your Mom or Grandma

. . . opening one gift on Christmas Eve

. . . running downstairs to see what Santa brought

. . . sipping hot chocolate or apple cider

. . . watching snowflakes comes down and hoping for a white Christmas

. . . hearing your Dad read the Christmas Story

. . . watching a favorite Christmas movie

. . . singing Christmas Carols
. . . decorating the Christmas Tree with favorite ornaments, especially the ones the kids made

For most of us, these things bring a smile to our face. : ) Memories are great, each one to be treasured for many years. At this Christmas season, what memories are you treasuring?

Long ago, for a young woman, living in a little town called Nazareth in Galilee a miracle would happen that would change her life forever and create a memory that would never be forgotten.

Have you ever thought what it must have been like for this teenage young woman to wake up one day and have her world turned upside down? Mary, her very name stirs up many memories for each of us. Most of us know the Biblical account of how God chose this young woman to give birth to His Son. A young woman engaged to a man named Joseph, prearranged by her family as was the custom of her people.

In Luke 1, God revealed how His most perfect plan for mankind would be accomplished when He sent an angel to this young woman. (Luke 1:26-37) He told her, she, who was highly favored by the Lord, had been chosen to give birth to God's Son, the promised Messiah. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Even in her perplexity as to how this could happen, since she was a virgin, she couldn't contain her joy at the revelation.

Ever wondered what her pregnancy might have been like ~ perhaps morning sickness ~ tired all the time ~ restless, sleepless nights ~ yet stirring within her a great anticipation at the coming birth of her son? Not any ordinary Son ~ God’s Son. (Luke 1:26-38)

In Luke 1:46-50, Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation."

Mary's focus was on the greatness of her God. She cried out to Him and praised Him as her Savior, the Mighty One whose name is Holy. Never did she focus on herself. Mary knew that her faithful God would give her strength to face the coming days and He did!

Then the moment finally arrived and with it came intense pain ~ intense JOY. Holding that precious little one, looking into his eyes ~ what color would they be ~ what color would his hair be ~ would he have fair or dark complexion? Would she be a good Mommy ~ what would she do when he cried ~ how often would he need his diaper cloths changed ~ would he nurse quickly or would she struggle to feed him? Then the mothering instincts came ~ so natural. “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

After the birth of Jesus, shepherds came. They bowed in worship before the One the angels had told them about as they had been watching their flocks at night. "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary TREASURED ALL THESE THINGS and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:9-19)
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What are you treasuring this Christmas season? The gifts or the GIFT?
John 3:16
Where is your focus?
Colossians 3:1-17
Is your heart filled with praise and adoration?
Ephesians 1:3-8
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May your heart, like Mary's, be filled with praise this Christmas season for God's indescribable gift

Jesus ~ the best gift of all!!!

My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior."
Luke 1:46