December 23
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
It can be seen in the sparkling eyes of all the little ones around us . . . the excitement in the anticipation of Christmas Day! Little angels in costumes reenacting the sacred moments as visiting relatives watch in joy; little voices singing Christmas carols with an enthusiasm we adults sometimes lack; while thoughts of Santa’s arrival have them listening carefully to their parents’ wishes. And as we do our best to keep redirecting them to the stable, it is with joy, but also with aching hearts we adults look to Mary - Mary who said “Yes!” to God - because we know the suffering that was ahead of her, the sacrifices she made as the Mother of God and of us all. Anyone who has held a newborn feels the joy she experienced holding her son, yet also the twist of anxiety a new mother holds within her heart concerning her baby’s well being and her baby’s tomorrows. There is a touching song – a hymn really, “Mary Did You Know?”1 that asks the questions we all have within. Just how much did she comprehend who this precious child was? Could she have realized the wondrous, yet painful events that would take place and how the world would be forever changed because of Him? However much she knew, however impossible it seemed, she continued to say “Yes!” to God. Today she continues to personify reverent faith and devotion to God and profound, selfless, unconditional love, as she continues to be a beacon for us on our journey toward her son.
Look at the children in your life today, whoever they may be: sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends’ children, neighborhood kids, your students, patients, children in your service, or those you transport to and from school or events . . . kids everywhere! In thanksgiving to God for the gift He has given you with their presence, ask yourself, how they bring you closer to Him and pray about the wonders God has in store for them. Consider the many lives they will touch in their lifetime because of Him; how the future will be changed for the better because of the gifts and talents He has blessed them with. Think about the memories that fill you with happiness because of the lives of these children. What treasures do you ponder in your heart since their entrance into your life?
How we underestimate too the influence we have on our children; the importance of the role our example has on them. Pray for guidance as you lead them with love; pray to do the best you can to show them His way, not the way of the world. And when we are called by God to do the seemingly impossible - like Mary, and with our eyes bright with excitement, may we also say a fervent “Yes!”
Thank you for the precious children you have given us, Lord! Their innocence and spontaneous joy brings us closer to you! May we treasure our moments with them.
1.) Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, 1984
"Mary Did You Know"
[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
It can be seen in the sparkling eyes of all the little ones around us . . . the excitement in the anticipation of Christmas Day! Little angels in costumes reenacting the sacred moments as visiting relatives watch in joy; little voices singing Christmas carols with an enthusiasm we adults sometimes lack; while thoughts of Santa’s arrival have them listening carefully to their parents’ wishes. And as we do our best to keep redirecting them to the stable, it is with joy, but also with aching hearts we adults look to Mary - Mary who said “Yes!” to God - because we know the suffering that was ahead of her, the sacrifices she made as the Mother of God and of us all. Anyone who has held a newborn feels the joy she experienced holding her son, yet also the twist of anxiety a new mother holds within her heart concerning her baby’s well being and her baby’s tomorrows. There is a touching song – a hymn really, “Mary Did You Know?”1 that asks the questions we all have within. Just how much did she comprehend who this precious child was? Could she have realized the wondrous, yet painful events that would take place and how the world would be forever changed because of Him? However much she knew, however impossible it seemed, she continued to say “Yes!” to God. Today she continues to personify reverent faith and devotion to God and profound, selfless, unconditional love, as she continues to be a beacon for us on our journey toward her son.
Look at the children in your life today, whoever they may be: sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends’ children, neighborhood kids, your students, patients, children in your service, or those you transport to and from school or events . . . kids everywhere! In thanksgiving to God for the gift He has given you with their presence, ask yourself, how they bring you closer to Him and pray about the wonders God has in store for them. Consider the many lives they will touch in their lifetime because of Him; how the future will be changed for the better because of the gifts and talents He has blessed them with. Think about the memories that fill you with happiness because of the lives of these children. What treasures do you ponder in your heart since their entrance into your life?
How we underestimate too the influence we have on our children; the importance of the role our example has on them. Pray for guidance as you lead them with love; pray to do the best you can to show them His way, not the way of the world. And when we are called by God to do the seemingly impossible - like Mary, and with our eyes bright with excitement, may we also say a fervent “Yes!”
Thank you for the precious children you have given us, Lord! Their innocence and spontaneous joy brings us closer to you! May we treasure our moments with them.
1.) Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, 1984
"Mary Did You Know"
[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson