Monday, December 13, 2010

Pondering the Gifts

Christmas is a time for reflection.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Luke 2:19


As I reflect on the cherished ornaments and keepsakes that have been given to me  



and made .  .





as I pull out these treasures that remain hidden in a box for much of the year,





I take the time to remember. 

These gifts stir in my heart memories of days past and point to people that are special to me.  My husband who knows me.  My grandmother, now waiting on the other side.  My friends in other parts of the world.  My mom who knits love and her grandmother before her who did the same.  My children and their preschool days.

While the gifts are beautiful to me, it is the people that are the true treasures.

And when I reflect on the gifts, I'm invariably led back to the Giver who became Gift, and I ponder the Person who is Christmas. 

I treasure His words and ponder them in my heart.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.  Isaiah 9:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.  James 1:17

Thanks be go God for his indescribable gift!  2 Corinthians 9:15




Pondering and giving thanks for these treasures, these God-whispers, #511 - 529:

memories hanging on the tree

my grandma and grandpas, whom I still miss and will until we meet again

a happy childhood

my husband's thoughtful gifts

Christmas baking

the smell of cinnamon and sugar cookies

warm slippers

thick, fuzzy blankets

the silky feel of Baby Girl's hair as I read to her

sitting between The Thinker and The Stinker during The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

knowing Aslan by his many names here

a church Christmas program

my Christmas angel














and wisemen






















the sweetness of an old story told in a fresh way

Christmas greetings from friends and strangers

tucking my children in each night

the angels who watch over them (Matthew 18:10)

a God who gives constant attention to each of us


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9 comments:

hot girl said...

beautiful picture.
nice blog.

Karen and Gerard said...

Mary sure had a lot to ponder! Like you, I too have ornaments that bring back good memories. The handmade ones are really the best!

Cranberry Morning said...

I can't imagine how overwhelming it must have been to Mary, to try to wrap her mind around what was happening.

I love the pics of your kids! SO sweet.

Gabe said...

love the photo of your little angel. . .

I've always loved that phrase. . .pondered these things in her heart! It means so much more now that I am a mom!

Joy said...

Loved your post and sweet pictures of your angel and wise men. You are truly blessed. Thanks for spending a few minutes stopping by my place. I always enjoy seeing what blessings you have to share. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season!

amy in peru said...

gifts... all precious.

:)

Anonymous said...

I like how God gives mothers insight to keep in our hearts, to sustain us, help us understand, to encourage us. The older I grow, the more Mary's story has to tell it seems.

My ornaments are like that, too. I even have a pair of ice skates that someone knitted as a wedding gift:) Just like yours, but white. They make me feel like those I love are there with me - like they know the same secrets and the same stories - and then the lights kind of wink at me.

Birthday menus, Christmas menus, decorations, a tea cup - so many things tell stories of the past - reminders for when I get lonely. Not materialisticly - just a story telling experience.

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see Dawn Treader with my boys. I bet it was wonderful!

Susannah said...

Aha! Wonderful! Your kids dressed to perform in a Christmas pageant. There's nothing like it! Blessings, upon blessings.

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