“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19

Those of you who read through the 2nd chapter of Luke this time each year are probably quite familiar with the Christmas story. To set the scene, Mary had been visited by the angel Gabriel, who told her that she had been chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus. Now really think about this — Mary is thought to have only been between 12-14 years old at this time. I’m not sure about you, but I was pretty self-centered and immature in my teenage years. My biggest concerns were making sure my sister wasn’t stealing my clothes and that I was well liked in school.

Can you try to picture yourself at 13 giving birth in a stable? Would you be scared, anxious, and a little bit lost? I can say, with absolute certainty, that I would be. But Mary trusted God’s plan and humbled herself as a willing servant. There on the hay, surrounded by animals, she surrendered everything she had to give.

That same evening, angels appeared in the fields outside Bethlehem announcing Jesus’ birth — the promised Messiah. Her first guests were not family members or friends, but rather shepherds who had heard the good news and came to worship her newborn baby. And among all these happenings, Mary made a conscious effort to treasure each detail.

During the holidays, there can be a lot of distractions. Several commitments and obligations tend to make us lose focus of the true celebration. I think it would have been so easy for Mary to do the same. If she had worried about the unknown “hows” and “whys,” or doubted herself, she would have missed out on the blessings of that holy night. By focusing on the little things, she was able to capture the moments and hold on to them dearly in her heart.

In the few days left until Christmas, intentionally hold on to the moments happening around you. Strive to be like Mary and surrender your thoughts and plans to His perfect will.