Countdown to Christmas

Luke 2:18-20

 

18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Christmas has come and gone, for the most part. Still one gathering tonight and then a re-do with my family on Monday.

But as I read these last three verses in the Luke telling of Christmas, I am caught by the "heart" part for all involved.

    -    All the people the shepherds told were 'amazed.'

    -    Mary 'treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.'

    -   The shephereds 'returned glorifying...'

No one was the same. No shrug and "check that off" and move on. Everyone was changed forever.

I hope that I do not just put the Christmas story, the incarnation of God into this world, the separation of time into two, the birth of hope eternal, into a box like al the decorations and dig it out next Thanksgiving.