Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What a great start to our Advent Season! Yesterday’s key verse came from Luke 2:19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart?”
I suggested several things Mary might have been pondering that first Christmas as she listened to the shepherds and Magi tell their story of how they found the manger.
1. Mary may have marveled at how God CONFIRMED His Word to her by telling it to the sheperds as well. Be confirmed in your heart this Christmas! Jesus, the Messiah HAS COME into our world.
2. Mary may have marveled at the CELEBRATION that surrounded Jesus’s birth. Angels burst into song. Shepherds rejoiced. Our Christmas celebration should find us enjoying it to the full.
3. Mary may have marveled over the Magi’s willingness to risk their lives in not returning to give Herod the information he wanted. Just how risky was it to be associated with Jesus? If Herod wasn’t happy about Jesus’ birth who else would hate Him? How risky would it be to be the Mother of the Messiah? I believe Mary may have done some COST COUNTING. Count the cost of following Jesus! Be willing to be known as a Christian!
4. Mary may have marveled over the meaning of the Magi’s gifts. Gold was for royalty. How could they have known Jesus was the King of kings? Frankincense was reserved in Israelite worship for God alone. How could they have known her Son was God? Myrrh was used for burial purposes. It pointed to Jesus’ reason for coming to earth. He came to die. Mary may have contemplated the great CONSECRATION she witnessed as each Wiseman presented his gifts. Remember, w hat we give in consecration and worship to Jesus speaks of what we believe to be true about Him.
It’s easy to be distracted by deadlines, practices, obligations, parties, preparation, and financial pressures, but I want to challenge you to keep your head in the Christmas Season. Stay mentally engaged about what it means that Christ was born. Let God confirm His Word in you anew. Celebrate the season to the fullest in honor of the Christ-child. Count the cost of identifying with the Christ-child turned crucified and live out your faith on purpose as you move through the season, and give of your best in consecration and worship. Commit to pondering Christ and elevating Him above all things in your thoughts this Christmas.
Join us on Wednesday for Worship and the Word! Have a great week and keep your mind stayed on Him!
Pastor Melissa
