Be Still and Know

There’s a little verse tucked into the story of Jesus’s birth that never fails to capture my attention:

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19, NIV)

Just think . . . what a whirlwind of time Mary has had! First, an angel pops in out of nowhere and announces she’ll give birth to the Son of God. Then, there’s a hasty marriage and a move to set up a new home, followed by an unexpected trip to Bethlehem. Add to all that, she gives birth in a stable—probably nothing like she had hoped and planned. Now, shepherds have rushed in with stories of more angels and lights and songs in the skies. And, of course, there’s this little One now, all wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger instead of the cradle her carpenter husband had most likely made. This precious little One. Jesus. The Messiah. The Son of God.

And in spite of all this—or perhaps because of all this—she’s a spot of calm in the sea of celebration swirling all around her. Reaching out to touch His cheek. Lifting Him into her arms to hold Him close. Staring down into those fresh-from-heaven eyes.

All her life she’d heard the prophecies. And now, here she was, a simple peasant girl holding the promises-come-true Son of God in her own arms.

Soaking Up and Soaking In

The Scriptures tells us that Mary soaked up and soaked in these moments, these priceless treasures. She pondered them, savored them, and held onto them.

I think I’ll join her.

Because, yes, I want to soak up and soak in all the promises and prophecies that are now fulfilled. And I also want to soak up and soak in the moments of life around me. I want to ponder the wonder of all the precious gifts God has given me. Like a sunrise on a winter’s morning, a star-filled night, and all those loved ones and little ones He has placed in my life. Most of all, I want to ponder the beautiful truth that the Savior left heaven to rescue someone like me.

It’s a Challenge

It’s a challenge, though, isn’t it? Because as you might have noticed, it can get a little chaotic this time of year. Even now, in this empty-nest season of life when I thought perhaps I could take things a bit slower and perhaps do just a bit less, there always seems to be someone asking for a bit more. There’s always something to take my time and attention away.

But I’m Determined . . .

But, yes, I’m determined. I’m going to do as God once told the Israelites to do. I’m going to . . .

“Be still, and know that [He is] God.” (Psalm 26:10)

I’m going to carve out time each day—whether it’s a moment, a minute, or more—to be still. To ponder and treasure in my heart that beautiful truth that God so loved me that He gave His one and only Son, so that I would not perish but would instead have eternal life with Him. Immanuel.

And Now, It’s Your Turn

Will you join me? Just take a moment and close your eyes. Wander back to that long manger, to that sleepy little One. Let yourself be swept away with the wonder of it all. Ponder the height and breadth and depth of God’s love. Treasure in your heart the truth of Immanuel. Of God with us. Of God with you.