But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 ESV)
Boxing Day and Faith
Boxing Day is a British holiday. It is celebrated the day after Christmas, but the exact origin or meaning of the day is a bit muddled. Some claim it was the day that the Brits used to put presents outside their door for those who delivered milk, eggs, ice, and the like. Some claim Boxing Day is the day when parents disposed of all the gift boxes. Some claim that the day after Christmas people boxed up their decorations.
But to me, Boxing Day is the day to sit back and contemplate what happened. The chaos of family celebrations, church services, advent series, parties, traveling, decorating, eggnogging, and over-eating is finished… boxed up, so to speak. And now, in the still of the next day, we have some time to think.
To ponder things in our hearts.
Mary obviously had some amazing things to ponder. Way back when Gabriel first shocked her with the news of the incarnation, her wild ride began. Nine months of family and fiancé issues, travel donkey-back, last minute Bethlehem relocation, a not-at-all silent night, shepherds, a new baby… the overwhelming realization that the time of the Messiah had come. And that the Messiah was right… over… there.
She treasured and pondered.
We can do no less.
Ponder the sacrifice of God Himself becoming human. Ponder the extreme ends to which our loving God went to give YOU forgiveness and heaven. Ponder the story told by an angel, shepherds, angels, and the very Word of God.
Believe those things.
Take the faith God grants us.