Pondering in My Heart

Celebrating Christmas is not being with family or spending time with friends.  It's not giving presents or going to parties.  It's not ice skating or wearing scarves.  It's not shopping or eating family dinners.  It's not watching movies or getting time off of work.  And it's certainly not lying to children about Santa.

Most of us enjoy these things and that's fine (except for the lying part).  However, celebrating Christmas is really much more than all of those things.  Contemplating what Christmas really means will bring more joy than all of the above mentioned things.  

Mary had it right.  She was there that night and she knew how to truly celebrate the birth of the Savior.  On that very first "Christmas" - the night Jesus was born - she celebrated by pondering Jesus and what had just taken place.  She "treasured up" all that had happened in her heart.  She took the incarnation and simply thought about it.  She pondered it; she treasured it.  

If we are seeking JOY this Christmas, if we are seeking LOVE, if we are seeking PEACE - there is only one place to look - Jesus.  Jesus brings joy, love, and peace unlike anyone else ever could.  The incarnation of Christ is love come in the flesh.  It's the greatest gift we could ever receive.  It brings peace that surpasses human comprehension.  

When we celebrate Christmas by spending time with family, or eating cookies, or buying gifts, let's make sure that it's accompanied with thoughts of joy and gratitude towards our Savior.  Truly celebrate your Christmas by taking some time to ponder Jesus in your heart as Mary did.  Take some time today to truly ponder the incarnation.  Take a moment and think about the Word becoming flesh for you and for me.  Say a prayer to thank Jesus for lowering Himself to the take human form for us. 

Merry Christmas!