Did you have a treasure box growing up? I did. In my treasure box I had a very old dollar coin that my Mom had given to me, some chapstick, and various other items that you might have considered junk but to me they were valued possessions.
In Luke 2:19 (NLT) we get the idea that Mary had a treasure box of sorts, only her treasures were memories of Jesus and how his life intersected with hers. Look at what it says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
What were those things she stored in her “treasure box”? Could it have been the time when the Angel came to tell her that she would bear a child even though she was a virgin? Or what about when she visited with Elizabeth who was old, wrinkled and very pregnant? Did she treasure watching God’s miracle growing within her?
Did she hold tightly to the feeling of having the baby move inside of her? Was one of her treasured memories that moment when she laid her precious baby in the manger? Or what about the surprising visit from a group of homeless shepherds or the royal wise men who had traveled so far to visit her son and give him precious gifts?
As Jesus grew older, I wonder if she included in her box the time when they had to go back to Jerusalem to find Jesus. Did she treasure their surprise at finding him teaching the leaders of that day in the synagogue? What about the time when He changed the water at the wedding into wine?
I think Mary continued to store up memories of God’s amazing work and power in their lives. I can’t help but wonder if this treasure box of memories was a comfort to her as her life began to turn upside down and she watched her Son become hated and hunted by the Jewish community.
When she was discouraged or confused, did she would pull out these memories to remind herself that God was in control? Did she seek consolation in those memories and the knowledge that God had a plan and He was working it out, even though she didn’t comprehend it?
Father God, Teach me to count my blessings. When the way ahead is unclear remind me of all the ways You have gone before me, and all of the prayers You have answered. May I treasure these things in my heart just like Mary did. Amen
Question: Have you ever created a treasure box of answered prayers?
Have you ever taken time to reflect on God’s work in your life?
I hope that you will take time this Christmas season to reflect on God’s goodness to you and I encourage you to continue to mark those times in your life when you have seen Him and ponder often on them, just as Mary did.
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Jennifer says:
I am always mindful of the many blessings which I receive. Recently my church’s youth leader posted a facebook link on creating a Blessings Jar. Every time you receive a blessing, write it on a note and place it in your Blessings Jar. At the end of the year, take all of the blessings out and read through them. What a perfect way to begin the new year ahead! And what a wonderful way to review all of the blessings and kindnesses we receive throughout the year!
http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2012/12/17/the-treasure-box/
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