The Heart of Chirstmas

Luke 2:19 - But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:51b - But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
To ponder: To think deeply about; to reflect on; to weigh in the mind

This teen mom pondered. In the core of her being, she ruminated on the events surrounding her son. An angel brought the news that she was to be the mother of the Messiah, but that also meant bearing with the stares and shame of being pregnant before marriage (a much more serious offense then than today). Her relative had a child in old age. She gave birth in a barn amid animals and hay, seemingly alone and forgotten by the world. Yet soon shepherds arrived to worship the baby, having been sent by angels. In the temple a few days later, some elder servants of God rejoiced over the baby and blessed them. Time went by and wise men came from the east bearing gifts. At age 12, her boy was impressing men in the temple with his teaching. Yes, Mary had much to ponder.

I had to wonder if I spend enough time pondering. Do I think deeply and reflect on the events and situations in life? Or do I make snap decisions and jump to conclusions? It takes time to ponder and I am often too rushed to do it properly. But when I take the time to weigh the day's events, consider my choices and reflect on Scripture my life is richer, more satisfying and more exciting. I can't always control my schedule, but I want to increase the amount of time I "ponder in [my] heart."

A merry Christmas filled with joy and peace to each of you!

What's in a heart?

When I began a study of "hearts" in the Bible last August I wasn't sure what I'd find. I soon learned that the Bible speaks of many kinds of hearts: our hearts, God's heart, good hearts, troubled hearts, hearts of evildoers... And while we know our heart is what pumps our blood and keeps us alive, we also understand that the word is used to denote character and motives, hopes and desires. The "heart" of the matter means what is central or essential.

Our non-physical hearts, that core of our mental, emotional and spiritual selves, also pumps life through us. How would we survive the day if we "lose heart?" Imagine how dreary the life uncentered, without hope or purpose. (Not too hard to imagine because I have been there - and still lapse into a heartless state on occasion.)

This morning's study brought me to Psalm 33:21, "In Him our HEARTS rejoice, for we trust in His holy name." This may sound odd to many people, but for those of us who do trust in God we find our hearts rejoicing more and more. My life has more and more purpose, joy and hope. My life has more heart!

Christmas

This morning's lesson went pretty well, despite my feeling under-prepared. We explored some of the common myths or misconceptions about Christmas. For example, contrary to the popular carol, there were probably more than three wise men that made that cross-countries trek to see the baby Jesus. And when they arrived, the family were in a house, no longer with the animals in the manger.

It really isn't a big deal, though. The point is that Jesus was born. The fact that the wise men came shows how they honored him. The number of wise men and the exact day they came isn't really the point.

And while we have no idea on what day or even in what season the Christ Child was born, this formal celebration in December is a great time to reflect on His coming, His love for the world and the purpose of His life.

Peace and Joy to you this season.

Opening Remarks

This probably isn't the best day to start this journal. I've been feeling tired and disconnected all day. I haven't made one of my "daily" hearts for 3 days. I am nearly a week late and still don't have my Christmas fiber postcards ready for the exchange. I don't have my family Christmas cards ready. I haven't managed to get all the dishes or laundry done. I'm just ready to crawl into bed - after a very unproductive day.

But I did string one length of garland on the porch. I spend time with my teenage daughter. And I did needed research online in preparation for teaching tomorrow morning. I did accomplish something.

How often is my self-worth dependent on what I do? I know in my head that my value as a person doesn't change based on how much was checked off my To-Do list, but I often feel that way. I'm learning to say, "I wish I had done..." instead of "I'm no good."

So, as I head to bed, I can sleep in peace knowing that even though my list didn't have the number of checks I would have liked my worth as a person remains immeasurable.