Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Advent Devotional 18: Treasures from the Chest

December 18:
B.C. verse: Luke 2: 19-20
A.D. verse: Philippians 1:9-11
Christmas hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Hymn for today: “All This Time” by Britt Nicole

The night stand by my bed is the warehouse of all my “special” stuff. These are items (mostly paper) that mean something only to me. For example, every journal that I have written in since 1993 is in this night stand. I have old pictures, my grandma’s Bible, a broken bracelet from my great-grandma, and a prayer book that was given to me by my other grandma. I also have every handwritten note/letter that my kids have given to me as well as their baby teeth and even the positive pregnancy strips that announced imminent motherhood.

Even though that last one is admittedly weird, these are my treasures. The fact that I have tucked them away in a “special” hidden place indicates that they are valued and special only for and to me. Likewise, my treasures define me; what I keep is an indication of what is most important to me.

In today’s verses we read that “Mary treasured all these things in her heart and thought about them often” (Luke 2: 19). Even though the verse does not discuss physical items that Mary treasured, it does indicate what she valued – where her heart was. In order to keep all that had happened – God’s blessings and providence – fresh in her mind, she “pondered” them often.

What we choose to “ponder” is a reflection of our hearts – the place where our true treasures abide. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). In my case, the contents of my night stand indicate my heart’s treasure, which is family, especially my children. “Warm fuzzies,” however, are not the only “treasures” that are stored away. Bitterness, resentment, hatred and the like are also reflections of the heart.

Good or bad, whatever we ponder will either nurture or poison us. Those thoughts affect our actions, which ultimately become our character. Therefore, it is important that we carefully choose what to ponder and treasure.

Today’s A.D. verses are my “life verses;” it is a reminder that what we think is what we become:

 “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:9-11).


Daily Challenge: Do something for a neighbor today.

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