Advent StudySample

If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to revisit health class – specifically, that unit we studied the brain. The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain that allows us to focus when something is marked as “important.” When the prefrontal cortex concentrates on one thing, we are focused and as a result, more likely to remember what is happening in front of us. For example, many of us can remember significant events, such as a wedding day, a child’s birth, or a favorite birthday, because these events were deemed necessary by our brains.

As Mary looked down and held her newborn child, we read that she was “treasuring up these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19). In other words, Mary’s prefrontal cortex was engaged and she knew the importance, significance, and holiness of the moment. She knew the child she held was no ordinary child – rather, he was the long-awaited Messiah! Mary chose to fully focus on the moment, and in doing so, she showed us the importance of remembering.

In our busy lives, we often fail to remember the good news that Jesus came, lived, and died for us. Schedules and holiday festivities can overshadow the peace God brings that surpasses all understanding. He is worthy of our worship and our remembrance.

In what ways can you stop to acknowledge Jesus today? Write a prayer of thanksgiving to Him for what He’s done.

Prayer: Father, I confess I sometimes let the demands of life take over. Today, I submit my mind to you and ask you to fill me with your peace.