“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
Come with me down a quiet back alley. Hand-held lanterns bob and sway as travelers seek shelter for the night. In one such meager shelter sits a young girl, watching silently as a troupe of raggedy shepherds – strangers to Joseph and her – enter the stable and bow down in reverence and wonder before her son.
Thousands of newly hatched thoughts and ancient prophecies swirl through her mind. They simmer and brew, then slowly settle into her heart where she will make room for them to blossom and grow.
She will need those moments of reflection during the dark days ahead. She will recall God’s hand upon her as she raises a very unique young man. She will cling to God’s promises when Jesus, her first-born child, hangs upon the cross.
This begs the question; what do you and I ponder? What thoughts do we allow into our hearts? Does God’s word fill our minds when hard times come? Are God’s promises our anchor when tragedy strikes?
This Christmas, take time to meditate on God’s Word. Claim His promises. Cling to His words of love and comfort. Ponder them, treasure them, and allow them to take root in your heart and mind.
It’s the best gift you will ever give yourself.