Luke 2:15-20 
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. (NLT)

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Summer vacation plans are ready, awaiting the time for our great adventure. My bride and daughter cooked up these plans. We are starting in the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula. We will also enjoy Mackinac Island. Hopefully, we will spend at least a few hours in Petoskey, which lies strategically between our two main destinations. 

We need to wade in the waters to find Petoskey stones. What are Petoskey stones? Read this article for what Paul Harvey would call The Rest of the Story ([https://bit.ly/4qoAKD6](https://bit.ly/4qoAKD6)).

A Petoskey stone, in short, is a smooth, rounded stone like many found around the Great Lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. They are nice rocks for throwing. The best part is what happens when they are placed in water. They reveal a beautiful pattern that is not visible when they are dry. 

They are great collector’s items. I plan to collect a few to replace the ones given away or lost over the last forty-two years. It was in the summer of 1983 that my summer missions partner and I planted a church in the small town of Boyne City, not far from Petoskey. Boyne Mountain Ski Area is nearby. Walloon Lake, where Ernest Hemingway lived, lies on the same highway. 

Thinking about that time and place brings back so many wonderful memories. I did a lot of growing up that summer. I learned so many deep and meaningful life lessons. Revisiting those places this summer will no doubt overwhelm my senses and produce the kinds of memories that take you to places that only exist outside of time. 

Luke said he “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” regarding Jesus. He interviewed those who had been there with him. Among them was Mary, the mother of Jesus. How else would he know what he records here in verse 19?

“. . . Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” 

The same is true for verse 51.

“And his mother stored all these things in her heart.”

Memories from another time and another place were more real and precious than any other keepsake could be. Her box of treasures was filled with memories of her one-of-a-kind Son. 

There are some memories only a mother’s heart can hold. 

There are some memories that never fail.

There are some memories that turn into dreams come true.

When this old world is blissfully renewed, and we come to live in that unending day, won’t it be holy to listen to Mary tell her story? Won’t it be wonderful to see the curve of her smile when she remembers what only she knows? 

What are your dearest, most precious memories of Jesus? 

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I will call to memory those unmistakable moments when Jesus did what only he can do.

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Our Father, what you have done in unmistakable moments formed memories that will endure forever. They also provide confidence for what you will do next and what you will do ultimately. Christmas reminds us how much you love us. It often makes even the grumpiest heart kinder and gentler. Bless us with core memories that, like Mary’s, will endure forever, and for all the right reasons. Amen.