Tiny Treasures Everywhere

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 Every year, as Christmas approaches, I make a point to open my Bible and read the story of Jesus’s birth. This year, as I read the story, I felt especially connected to Mary. As a fellow mom, what could God teach me about Mary’s story this Christmas season?


I was twenty-nine when I had my first child, but some scholars speculate that Mary was anywhere from twelve to sixteen years old when she had Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I was not mature enough to have a baby that young. Mary would have had to be mature mentally, but also spiritually. Luke 1:28 describes Mary as “highly favored” by God!  She was between twelve and sixteen years old and already highly favored by God - just let that sink in! 


Then, when the angel told her she was going to conceive a child, her response was, “I am the Lords servant. May it happen as you say.” Luke 1:38. That, my friends, is pure faith and obedience in Christ. I have had much smaller callings from God that I have either hesitantly answered or not answered (neither of which I’m proud to admit - but it’s the truth). I strive to be like Mary some day and trust the Lord with my entire being. Her faith is something to be admired. 


Not only did Mary have faith in God, she also had a relationship with God. After she heard the angel’s news, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. While there, she focused on God and paused to praise Him. “And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.” Luke‬ ‭1:46-49‬


Then, I started wondering if Mary felt any pressure to raise a child that would one day save the  ENTIRE world. But Mary was a tough cookie! She traveled to see Elizabeth possibly alone, pregnant, and walking around 80 miles. She traveled again, while pregnant, about 90 miles to Bethlehem, and she gave birth in a stable. She was soundly grounded in God, tough as nails, and didn’t care what anyone (but God) thought (she was engaged and pregnant, you know some people were judging!) 


And then my favorite verse in this excerpt, “But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.” Luke‬ ‭2:19‬. There’s a lot of pressure to have a perfect tidy home, cook Instagram worthy meals, and make Pinterest worthy crafts with our kids. But don’t miss the joy this holiday because you’re wrapped up in a social media heavy world. Knowing that Mary paused in the chaos to “treasure” these moments with little Jesus reminds me that I should too.


‭Let me encourage you to take some tips from Mary this season. Be obedient to God. Be grounded in God. Make time to focus on Him. Take time to pause. Remember to thank Jesus. Treasure these precious moments in your heart. 


Merry Christmas my friends! And love to you all! ♥️ May God bless you! 



References: "How old was Mary when Jesus was born?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/how-old-was-Mary.html

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