Memories Matter - Advent Devotional Day 28

Scripture
"16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. 20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told." - Luke 2:16-20

Reflection
Experiences over gifts.

A meaningful experience outranks gifts any day. But I know tomorrow there will be lots of gift giving and opening.

In the scripture as the miracle of Jesus comes into the world, Mary commits the day to memory. Perhaps she took deep breaths, breathing in the moment. Maybe she stared into Jesus’ face like we all do with newborns noticing and caressing the curves on his cheeks and eyebrows. She holds onto the moment and creates a memory. Mary also remembers what has been said of her baby, who he is and who will be to all of humanity. Imagine looking at a swaddled baby knowing and remembering the powerful, prophetic words spoken about him. It was a full-heart moment, to be sure.

One of my favorite memory-making experiences was creating ornaments at the end of 2020. So much happened in our family’s life - just like yours I’m sure. My family thought back through the year and created ornaments recalling memorable moments of the year. The stories we told, the laughter, and always its amazing that different parts of similar events remain intact for people.

This Christmas, be like Mary, make it memorable. Slow down and savor the togetherness, the joy, remember the year gone by and even acknowledge the memory of someone who’s not there this year.

Jesus is born. Light has come. The impossible is made possible. Hope is here.

Prayer
Baby Jesus, I will make memories to surround your birth. Amen.