In reading Luke 2 I was struck by the notion that at two separate times Mary, the mother of Jesus, “Treasured all these things.” As I continued to meditate on these passages I was inspired by the thought that what Mary treasured was an experience, not a possession. As a lesson for my own life I am reminded that the things Mary treasured were spiritual, not material.

I imagine that at Jesus’ birth Mary was treasuring the presence of angels and shepherds. She was not concerned about being in a stable rather than a hotel. I’m sure she was pondering the sounds each animal made and thankful for the warmth they provided. Perhaps she marveled at the unique aroma the stable place provided. Although not reported in Luke, she may also have pondered the meaning of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh, (Matthew 3) the gifts that arrived with the Wise Men. “God & King & Sacrifice” as the hymn writer penned it.

After returning to Jerusalem to find her adolescent son in the company of religious leaders Mary would have treasured different sentiments. A son engaged in theological discourse. Jesus was comfortable asking questions beyond his years, eager to learn matters of faith and religious practice.

In both instances, Jesus’ birth and early childhood, the things Mary treasured were emotional and spiritual, not material.

And so I am encouraged to treasure my own experiences and put less importance on the value of the things I own. What experiences do I treasure? What “things” do I ponder? treasure? meditate on? I may not be making New Year’s Resolutions, but from a faith perspective there is much to gain through an increased awareness about initiating and engaging in life giving experiences.

From a Pastoral perspective I consider this an opportunity to set a ministry goal to Create experiences which people will value. Using the resources that have been entrusted to my care (stewardship) with a mind focused on sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus (evangelism) I want to provide opportunities for those around me to experience love of God and claim the hope and help that the Lord provides for daily living. I think the Apostle Paul may have had a similar thought: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.” – Galatians 4:4-7