(published in the 2020 Advent Devotional of Bethel United Methodist Church, December 2020)
Mary treasured all these things in her heart. – Luke 2:19
I remember one of our daughter’s first visits to see Santa. After they exchanged pleasantries, he asked her what she wanted for Christmas. I can’t remember her answer, but I remember her then asking him, “Santa, what do you want for Christmas?” He tilted his head, looked up to the ceiling with his hand on his chin, and said, “Hmmm. I don’t think anybody’s ever asked me what I wanted for Christmas. . . I suppose I would like a mug for my hot chocolate.”
Isn’t it funny how sometimes we can’t remember what we had for dinner last night, yet a magical moment many years ago can be etched in our minds forever? I can picture her in my mind, sitting on Santa’s lap, gazing intently into his eyes. Such a sweet image that I can hold in my mind, as though I’m right back there, frozen in time. That and the time over in Russia when we were getting to know her. I was trying to get her to nap on the hotel bed, so I closed my eyes to pretend I was sleeping. I soon felt her soft, tiny finger touch my eyelid then my eyelashes, and my heart melted as I realized she was getting more comfortable with me. Such a sweet memory I pray I never forget.
Dear Lord, Thank You for the blessing of fond memories You’ve given us over the years. May they bring us comfort and joy at times when we need them the most. Amen.
