In the biblical account of the first Christmas, there are two types of treasure mentioned. One is the gold, incense, and myrrh offered by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). Many have interpreted these gifts—each with a high value—as prophetic or symbolic of the Christ’s kingship, of his duties as high priest, and of his impending death.

The other treasure mentioned is incalculable. In Luke’s account of Jesus’s birth, he provides details about the arrival of lowly shepherds to look upon Mary’s baby. They rejoiced at the sight of Israel’s deliverance through this Christ child. As they left, we are told, “But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2: 19) The Greek text indicates this act of “treasuring” something means to keep it close to one’s heart, to guard it, and to ensure it remains intact.

It is our prayer for you—for all of B.H. Carroll’s faculty, staff, students, and supporters—that this Christmas season will be filled with joy at the treasure of this Good News. Jesus Christ came to save sinners. May we all be like Mary, reminded constantly of the joy this message brings, and confident in expectation of God continually fulfilling his promise of eternal life in Christ.