By: Mama
Mary treasured all these things in her heart and always thought about them. ~Luke 2:19
This verse reverberated in my mind as I took Christmas down for the 16th time in our marriage. 16 years, 4 kids and the first Christmas ever spending it without extended family. The first time without guests, without organizing meal prep with family members, without managing anyone but ourselves. Luke 2:19 refers to Mary’s treasuring of her Christmas story, our Christmas story. My purpose in writing today is to remember and to share the good news that in the midst of the pressure and daily grind, Jesus is there.
I chose to take Christmas down by myself this year. I did not ask for help and I did not really want it. What I wanted was for a moment to worship and to remember the month (ok, and to be in charge of everything so I know where it is next year. Type A? Uhm, yes.)
Mamas feel the load of Christmas. I am no different. I listened to several podcasts about this topic, that is avoiding being a Grinch. What mother wants to be remembered that way? Horrible. I certainly do not. I love Christmas and I want my children to know that love. I desire them to look back on their childhood with memories of Christmas filled with making much of Him. Making much of him in devotionals, baking, feasting, and fellowship.
*Disclaimer: Not to be fooled, there is some pressure, albeit, perhaps self imposed. But motherhood always contains some pressure, some perseverance, and in His presence, immense pleasure.
Taking ornaments off the tree, while listening intermittently to sermons (Matt Chandler was my pastor of choice that day) and Christain hymns on Pandora, I treasured the whole month in my heart for a few hours. My favorite part was taking down the Jesse Tree ornaments (Read more about the Jesse Tree here. Here is the book we use.). I thought about Jesus, about Mary, how I probably don’t compare to her and the journey of raising Jesus and yet, how I do because my children (all of us) are his image bearers. As children entered the room, groaning, “Ah, you’re taking Christmas down!” I responded, “Christmas is good all year.” I thought, “How I can continue to be a mother who daily makes much of Him?” How can I not? Indeed, Christmas is good all year.
Reflecting, Jesus’ birth harkens us all to look into the precious faces of our beloved, knowing that he sees us in our trial and in our triumph. Jesus loves you and he loves me. Let us all slow down and treasure it in our hearts, actively remembering, and knowing He is King yesterday, today, and forever.
Kneel before your King and take his security with you into the New Year. If you have not made Jesus your Lord and Savior, do it now. Here is a great explanation of how to make Jesus your Savior. It is never too late. Let us make much of Him in all our ways, so that our beloved will know that Christmas is indeed good all year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
God is passionate about parenthood! Mom’s Corner is a collection of blog posts on Tenacious Faith Blog geared towards moms, written by a mom, to encourage them to grow closer to the Lord individually and with their families.
