Anticipating His Advent #20

Christmas has everything to do with our search for peace and calm in our lives. The angel had announced 2to the shepherds "peace on earth", and we find it somewhat romantic and soothing to imagine Mary placing baby Jesus in the feeding trough. But looking back over what we have seen so far in Luke 2, it has been very noisy: the long trip to Bethlehem, the overcrowded inns, the cries of childbirth, and the noisy neighbors popping in and crying out in praise.  Finally, Mary gets that long-awaited quiet time:

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  

As much as we want and need peace, we often make things so busy and loud during advent, with plays and parades and pomp and parties that we don't take the time to ponder and appreciate the peace below the surface - exactly what Christ came to provide. This last week of Advent, do all you can to do like Mary - value every moment and memory, and meditate on what it all really means. Don't let all the commotion steal your joy - or your peace.