LUKE 2:19-20

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

TO PONDER

I always wonder why we have such fond and treasured memories of past Christmases, and such excited anticipation for future ones. I mean gathering together with friends and family is great (if your family all get along ok.) The fancy food is nice, but let's be honest we have access to all the foods that make Christmas special all year round. Gift giving and receiving can be a joyful experience, but again, it's not something we can only do at Christmas.

The thing that is unique about Christmas is Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. And that too is something that we have all year round.

Mary was able to recognise the fulfilment of God's promises in the birth of Jesus, and while she may not have been aware of how things would ultimately play out with His death and resurrection, she took the joy of being involved in God's advent-ure to redeem the world with her when all the excitement of the angels, shepherds, the birth, the manger and stable were well behind her.

As people who have become part of God's advent-ure, the things we feel, the things we treasure about Christmas should go with us into the year ahead. The advent-ure and joy of Christmas do not end when Boxing Day sales and Sydney to Hobart races start. We can celebrate and rejoice in them all day, everyday.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help me to take the joy and excitement of your Christmas with me into each and every day. Help me to treasure the story and adventure of Christmas in my heart all year long so that others might see you alive and at work in me. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle