Christmas Time Is Here
Nathan Tasker
Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Every year it feels like I engage with the reality of Christmas later in to December - sometimes it is not until Christmas Eve that I start to contemplate the coming of Jesus and all that His arrival declares to those who love Him!
In many ways, this reveals an inability on my part to slow down and take time to read and think upon the remarkable truth that our God who is for us, is now the God who is with us in Jesus. No wonder the heavens couldn't contain their wonder and joy at the announcement of His birth!
This past month has been a very full one for me. I was able to tour with Michael W Smith, enjoying playing my new songs to new audiences every night (and also seeing over 1000 children sponsored through Compassion!). A few hours after bussing in to Nashville at the end of my tour with Michael, I was on a plane to London, with Cassie and Theo, to play some concerts to celebrate the release of Man On A Wire.
It was great to be back in the UK, and to be able to stay so close to Oxford Circus as well. Lights across Regent Street were lit up, declaring that Christmas time was here. It was a sudden reminder that we were indeed only weeks away from Christmas Day.
Which finds me here, desperately trying to fit in everything I can in the lead up to the year's end, especially as we prepare for a visit to Australia to celebrate Christmas with family. I struggle to be still, and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
That's why Luke 2:19 is such a wonderful verse to me. In the midst of the craziness (no room at the inn, her baby born in a manger, shepherds arriving as the child's first visitors), Mary treasured up all she was seeing, all that she was a part of, and pondered it all in her heart.
Treasuring. Pondering.
I only have two weeks left, but my goal is to treasure and ponder a little more, as once again we celebrate the astounding truth that the King of Kings would stoop so low as to be wrapped in human flesh, placed in a manger, and worshipped by shepherds. And He bids us all to come and marvel at God's costly love revealed. Immanuel. God is with us!
Blessings, Nathan.
ENJOY A FREE DOWNLOAD OF NATHAN'S CHRISTMAS EP "A STAR. A STABLE. A SAVIOR." (password: christmas)