But Mary kept all these things,
and pondered them in her heart.
[Luke 2:19]

At Christmas time, my thoughts always turn to Mary. My first child was born close to Christmas and, while we were stalled at a rail crossing on the way to the hospital, I thought of Mary. I was so thankful I wasn’t riding a donkey. While I was admitted to the hospital, I thought of Mary being cold and hungry with no place to rest in comfort. I cringed at the thought of going through labor and delivery in the conditions described in the Bible. Mary was made of sterner stuff than I am. Ever since then, motherhood and Christmas have been inextricably linked in my mind.

Speaking of mothers, the rocker in the photo was my mother’s. I bought it for her as a Christmas gift with my first Navy paycheck 50 years ago. Sitting in Mama’s chair is Maisey, my grandmother’s doll. Grandma got her for Christmas 130 years ago (here’s a link to that story). As I decorated the tree last weekend (and shoveled snow), I thought of Mary and Mama and Grandma.