Look back at the treasures this season has offered

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

- Luke 2:19 (KJV)

The Christmas tree branches are turning dry and brittle, festive paper from unwrapped gifts line the garbage can and some of the twinkling lights have burned out and need replacing.

Our holiday spirit may be fading as we move on to a new year. But wait! As we pack up the remains of Christmas past and ring in the New Year, why not savor the sentiments of the season?

The Bible tells us that after the very first Christmas, Mary, the mother Jesus, pondered over memories surrounding his birth that she treasured.

I wonder exactly which facts she carefully considered the most. Was it the splendor of the angel visitation? Or was it the many things any new mother ponders? Like the way his tiny fingers wrapped around hers. Maybe she was amazed over the fact that he cried, wet and burped like a real baby does. And yet, she knew that he was Emmanuel - meaning God with us.

As we ponder over any treasured happenings from this Christmas, what might they be?

We may have received a prized gift we desired. Maybe a card arrived from a friend with a special sentiment inside. Maybe we had a touching celebration with loved ones. Maybe nothing strikes us as memorable.

I think, whatever the case, we can all ponder over that same memory that flooded Mary's heart that first Christmas - God is with us. His presence means that whatever we face we are not alone - that we can find inner strength in weak moments; hope when all is gone; and receive wisdom for trials and triumphs that await us the upcoming year.

These are sentiments worth savoring.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Give a gift of Inspiration. Contact Annettee for information on her new book "Dream Big!" at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.