Christmas 2015

"Mary and Joseph marveled at those things which were spoken of Him (the Christ Child)." Luke 2:33.
"Marveled" is an interesting word. It's meaning conveys that of wonderment, astonishment, a prodigy or a miracle. I am sure that Mary and Joseph had much to marvel at concerning the baby Jesus. The announcements concerning His birth would cause one to marvel. The conditions of travel and the eventual lodging accomodations would lend one to marvel. The Star, Wisemen, Shepherds and all who visited during the first years of His life were something to marvel.
I would imagine that Mary and Joseph never stopped marveling at this baby who would grow to be the Savior of the world. At each stage of His development, I am quite certain they would have been amazed at how different He was from the others. When His ministry began with miracles and teachings that caused others to marvel, I'm sure Mary and Joseph grew in their amazement over this child. I can't help but think that at His death, Mary remembered that moment some thirty years ago in the temple when Simeon spoke those words that caused them to marvel.
For Mary and Joseph to marvel as parents is no surprise. The question that rings out is, "Do we still marvel at Jesus?" Is He really marvelous to us? Does He still cause amazement in our lives? It is possible for us to loose the wonder of Christ in us. We can travel through our lives yawning at the movements of God. The problem is that we grow up and loose the childlike wonder of Christmas. The lights, sounds, and atmosphere of Christmas causes a child to brighten up with wishful eyes. But as we grow, we begin to focus on the otherness of Christmas; the shopping, the crowds, and the costs.
Our gaze on the Savior should keep us in a world of amazement. Just being with Him can cause a thrill to well up inside that is full of wonder.
I pray this Christmas you will marvel at the Christ Child. I hope that you are constantly amazed at His love for you. May each day grow in anticipation of the coming King! Never loose your wonder!

From my heart...
Pastor BR