It makes me a little sad.

Packing it all away, putting up the decorations for another year. Sometimes I feel like I’m putting up Christmas for the year.

In Luke, we see that after the Savior’s birth, after the star, after the shepherds, the wise men, the gifts, “Mary treasured these things in her heart, and thought about them often.” 2:19 NLT

It wasn’t over, even though the events had passed by. I imagine she pondered the miracles of His birth and the tiny tender moments as her boy grew and taught, performed miracles, and yes, even when He died a terrible death.

When others saw hands that healed, she remembered little fingers that grasped her hair as she rocked Him to sleep.

When others heard a voice that brought the dead to life again, she heard the little-boy laugh of her son as He learned how to hammer and build from Joseph.

When others mocked Him as He cried out on the cross, don’t you just know that she remembered His cries in that manger?

I’m sure she also remembered and held on tightly to her words, spoken to an angel over thirty years ago, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said.”

Often in our lives, things happen that have a lasting impact on us. Impactful things. Both good and bad; big and little. Our Father told us that He will work everything for our good, for our hope. Even bad moments can eventually transform into treasures with the grace of God.

Christmas for this year has come and gone. 2019 is almost be a year of the past, but the treasures of the year will not be over. You can store them up in your heart like Mary, and pull them out to comfort you, to celebrate with you, to spur you on—whenever and however you need them the most.

If He did it for Mary, He’ll do it for you. ❤️