Called To Treasure And To Ponder

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

So often as Mary comes into contact with the world’s response to her child, she takes it all in and ponders, wonders, treasures. She watches as he is welcomed by the shepherds, pays attention to the gifts the magi bring, listens as people explain how they came to know of the baby Jesus. She knows that her child is the Messiah, the son of God and is clear that she is honored to be the mother of God. Yet she is also a mother like other mothers, wanting to understand this little person who has come into the world through her, thinking of his future, worrying about the challenges he will face. So, she treasures the ways in which others can see that her son is indeed, Emmanuel, God with us.

What do we treasure and ponder about our faith and our God? I treasure the many ways God continues to show us that She is indeed God with us. I wonder what it will take for me, for us, to live as God’s people as we step into this New Year. I ponder the many ways God comforts and challenges us all at once. Comforts us with His presence and challenges us to be both comfort and challenge to our world in our turn.

Happy New Year.

-Reverend Naomi Tutu

Let us pray…

Mother/Father God as we begin a New Year help us to be those who treasure the many ways you bless and protect us. Remind us that we are called to pay attention to all of the life you have created, to treasure the gift of your never ceasing presence and love. May we daily treasure and ponder your love for us and for all of creation. Amen.