Tuesday, December 26, 2023
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:15-20
Settling In
Some of my very favorite memories were the days following the birth of my children. There is nothing better than being able to just sit and cuddle your newborn baby while others help out and pamper you just a little. Those first days were always mixed with the sweetest moments and the greatest fears. Why did they make that noise? Are they getting enough food? Why does their cry sound like that? What if they are in pain? Especially for first time moms, these first days can be scary while still being filled with all the hopes and dreams we can imagine for this little new person.
Mary had just given birth to the Savior of the world. She knew He came to save His people from their sins. She did not know every detail of what would be in His life or what being the “Savior of the world” meant entirely. But on day two she was probably experiencing what every new mother experiences. She was settling in, trying to learn about her new baby and all the things she needed to remember. I am sure she had to stay in the stable a few days before they could make the trip back. Hopefully she was comfortable and warm and found much peace in cradling her new baby, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
She had been treasuring and pondering and I am sure she was treasuring and pondering different things as she was settling in with her baby. Her life was so different already and would continue to be different than what she could have ever imagined. Did she ponder how all of mankind’s lives would be changed by His birth? As she rocked Him and sang to Him did she even realize that He was the Lamb of God? Did she realize that being the Savior of the World would mean that He would sacrifice His life to offer us eternal life?
Maybe just for today she would focus on healing and making sure all her baby’s needs were met. Maybe just for today she would study every characteristic of His face – all the dimples and curves. Today she would keep Him dry and content, meeting His every need, not realizing that He would be the only One who could meet the most important need for all mankind. Just for today she and Joseph would treasure these moments as she settled into this new routine of motherhood and family life.
Hopefully you have settled into your life with Jesus too. We celebrated advent and His birth this month and we will continue to anticipate His second coming. Get settled in, but don’t become complacent. Don’t forget He is there as we are distracted by so many things this season. Don’t neglect your relationship with Him taking for granted that He is always there. Be intentional and comfortable with Him at the same time. Settle Him into your life and allow Him to change everything today and every day for the rest of your life.
