This week I had the joy of playing Christmas music at our local museum. Following the sing-song we shared nostalgic memories of childhood traditions. We laughed, fought a few tears and generally felt enriched in recalling those long-ago celebrations.
Over the centuries lyrics have been penned, melodies composed, sermons preached, cartoons sketched and books written to help us remember the significance of the birth of Christ. Though many have been romanticized to increase their market value, there's still something magical about sitting with a group of friends or even mere acquaintances and reminiscing over Christmases past.
I've been thinking a lot about Mary and her ponderings. Some things are obvious: the birth of her firstborn (how many mothers can forget that incredible moment?) and the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. But there are so many other things that it's too easy to by-pass or "fancy up" for effect.
First of all, I can't imagine the mix of emotions that accompanied the angel's announcement that she would be the mother of Jesus, especially when her beloved Joseph had no part in the miracle. Then, the gossip: "psst, she's, you knowpg" or "yeah, right, she and Joseph haven't beenumm fooling around" and on it went. Only a word from God himself could silence her bewilderment and potential shame. She must have pondered the venue for the birth of the Son of God; after all, a feed trough was rustic, to say the least. Cradling her precious child on that first Christmas, she shared the wonder of it all with shepherds, the outcasts of society without forgetting that He came to be the Redeemer. One can only imagine the depth of her contemplations.
"Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart". (Luke 2:19)
Whatever our memories, how good to remember that Bethlehem preceded Calvary.
