Wonder Of Advent #32

The Eternal Smile

Read: Luke 2:8-20

Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Luke 2:19

IT HAD BEEN A WHIRLWIND of a year—Gabriel’s surprise announcement, the trauma and excitement of Joseph’s response to the news, the three-month visit to Elizabeth’s home to share miracle stories and be filled with encouragement, a journey to Bethlehem to comply with a bureaucratic demand, and now this miraculous birth in a rustic setting. The shepherds were beside themselves, and the townspeople were astonished. What’s a mother of God Incarnate to do?

Yes, there were details to take care of and a crying mouth to feed. The days after childbirth are a blur in any conditions and certainly so during an inconvenient journey and with extraordinary stories floating around. Interesting and demanding days—years even—lay ahead. Mothers’ hearts can’t help but be preoccupied, but they also have moments of reflection. They ponder the magnitude of what has happened, the sacredness and the beauty of the life that has been formed within them.

Especially this one. This experience was worth pondering for more than a few moments, even for more than a few lifetimes or centuries or eons. Mary would treasure these moments, mine them for meaning, and dwell on them for years (Luke 2:51). She could have let the whirlwind turn her heart toward every demanding circumstance. Instead, she let herself fully take in this monumental event.

It’s easy to get lost in the celebration, isn’t it? The Christmas season has turned into the busiest time of the year for most people. The richness and depth of the day has been smothered by demanding circumstances and people. Right this moment, many around the world are trying to experience the glory of redemption in the midst of a dysfunctional mess. It isn’t easy. But it’s good. It’s a day worth pondering.

Whatever it takes, spend some time contemplating Jesus’ birth today. Let the real meaning of the Nativity—that God is on our side—sink in. The Christ event is still laden with mystery and majesty and all sorts of heartwarming promises from his heart. See each gift as a sign of something much greater, an extraordinary gift of love that cost everything to give and will last forever. Envision your Father as the ultimate participant in the Christmas celebration who wants you to know how he really feels about you. See his face in the Christmas story—and on it, an eternal smile.

Prayer

Father, the human heart expects disapproval and demands from you. Instead, you offer us blessings, promises, and your ultimate gift of love. Thank you. Fill my heart with the richness of this day. Amen.

REFLECTION

How do you think God would respond if you asked him to increase your understanding of and love for Christmas each year?

Further reading: Romans 8:31-32

He whose form no man has witnessed

Has today a human face.

“ON A DAY WHEN MEN WERE COUNTED,” D. T. NILES