"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." – Luke 2:19
Christmas Day – the wonder, the awe, the presents, His presence, the joy, the love, the laughter. I question, "can Christmas please never end?" Then, the One above reminds me that there is no end to Him, because "with Me, you will always have a forever Christmas." All of a sudden, the wonder, the awe, the miracle of the reality and truth of beholding His presence comes alive once again.
Did you know that the real reason for Christmas is not about things but about a Person? A forever Christmas is really about choosing to receive the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to give of Himself – His life as the atonement for our sins. Jesus was born to die and to ultimately offer His life as a holy sacrifice. He came down to earth, literally, in humility, that we may have true love and eternal life with Him forever and ever. It’s not a fairytale, it’s a miracle truer than true!
As Mary and Joseph approached the space where she would deliver her baby boy, the Son of God and Man, they searched for room yet were not welcomed at all until they came across a humble space, perhaps an inn, where Jesus was born and would lay His head on a wooden manger. It astounds me when I realize that, amidst the hustle and the bustle of their daily lives, those who rejected Mary and Joseph really rejected the One thing that truly mattered. They failed to invited in the presence of Jesus and did not prepare the couple room to safely deliver the Child.
But God had a plan whether man was prepared or not. God become Man, a baby boy, to be with us, God with us, Emmanuel. All because He loved, loves, and will forever love us. Jesus puts the US in His name. It was all for us. Jes-US, Love Himself. This holiday, more-so, holy-days are for every day – to ponder and to pause in wonder of who Jesus is and why He came.
Make space for grace
as you behold
the face of grace and
prepare to meet Him,
the God-man,
face-to-face.
Jesus dwelled among the humble, the lowly of heart, and was born in the night as a reflection of the light that He shines so bright. From His light, we are seen and known for who we really are.
If the stress of the season has overwhelmed you, try to rest and find the sacred. The treasure among the overlooked. Draw in and not tune His voice out. Choose to not rush through Christmas, but be still, and make room to receive the greatest Miracle of all, the love of Jesus and His salvation.
Be in true wonder, awe, and reverence at the magnificence of Christmas by giving glory and honor to the one and only True King. Jesus was the miracle conceived within Mary, and He invites you to accept Him as the miracle conceived within your heart. This Christmas, will you allow him to be the super to your natural?
The three elements of a miraculous Christmas include purity, presence, and peace, because purity invites God’s presence, and His presence brings peace.
PURITY
The Pure One Was Conceived
Keep the purity of Christmas. Don’t lose sight of Who it’s all about (Jesus) and not on what you need to do (do, do, do; just be, be, be). Focus on the Who and the Why (our Miracle, our Savior, Love was born).
PRESENCE
The Greatest Gift Was Received
On this day of celebrating the birth of our King, let's remember that in seeking His presence, Jesus is the greatest present you will ever need. When you have God’s presence in your life, it’s not only Christmas on December 25th or January 6th or when the trees festivities are displayed, it’s when you have Jesus in your heart.
Mary truly treasured what it meant to be in the presence of God. Even though Jesus came in the form of a baby, as vulnerable as can be, as dependent on his mother for sustenance, she pondered how she was truly the one dependent on the one she carried.
Don’t just seek His presents, seek His presence. Don’t just seek the gifts, seek the Giver of the gifts, because He is the ultimate Gift! The word parousia (/pa-roo-see-ah/) is an ancient Greek word meaning presence, arrival, or official visit. Parousía is also used as a term for the royal visit of a King. Acts 2:28 says, “In His presence is fullness of JOY.” If you want joy this Christmas, get in His presence, and as you unwrap Jesus' gifts, you will receive His purity, peace, and presence in your life. A divine trio!
Jesus came in humility, left with dignity, and will come back in full royalty!
PEACE
And all of Humanity Believed
Believing in Jesus is the source of all peace, our Yahweh Shalom. Find peace in the purity of God’s presence. Blessed are the ones who believe in the Lord. What promises are you believing God to fulfill in your life? Jesus’ birth was the catalyst to humanity’s redemption. Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6-7, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” With Jesus, there is NO end to peace. When Jesus is the ruler of our hearts, peace is your security. When He is present, there is no mistaking it, because there is always supreme peace.
Jesus Christ can be born in every heart, in your heart today. The greatest gift you can give Him is your heart, because He treasures YOU so much.
May the spirit of Christmas make a home in your heart all year long as you enjoy a forever Christmas!
Love & Blessings,
Natalia Maranian
Bible Verses to Ponder in Wonder
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").” – Matthew 1:23
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8
“The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. ‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.’” – Luke 1:30-33
“‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” – Numbers 6:24-26
*Photos taken by me, Natalia, from the Nativity scene displayed in our family room.