“But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.” Luke 2:19 CSB
This is after Jesus has been born, Mary is watching all of the activity going on around her. Can you imagine what it must have been like to have this happen to you? To be told you are going to give birth to a son, even though you are a virgin? Then to travel 90 miles on a donkey to do it?
The route Mary and Joseph took was flat at first, then would have gone over the hills into Jerusalem. Scholars estimate they traveled 10 miles a day because of her pregnancy. The season would have been winter, this meant days in the 30’s and rain at night. All while Mary is 9 months pregnant. This is what the woman who gave birth to Jesus had to do the week before His arrival. On top of that, when they reached Bethlehem, no one had any room for them. Mary had to give birth in a stable.
Mary had a lot to ponder and reflect upon as she sat in that manger that night.
Think about your last week. What was the biggest trial you had? How has it affected your week? Where can you see God in it? Reflect back not only of the past week, but the past year. How has God grown you this year? What has He done in your life that you know was Him? Begin to treasure all of these things up in your heart, as Mary did after the birth of Jesus.
Jesus changed the course of Mary’s life. He changes the course of our lives. Just like when He entered the world that night in Bethlehem, when we first believed in Him, our lives changed forever. And continue to change as we allow Him to continue working in our hearts. I know I am not the person I was 12 months ago. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, I’ve matured in ways I didn’t even know I needed to mature. And I still have a long way to go. I am still a sinner in need of grace. We are all sinners in need of grace this holiday season.
Today, as you seek a moment of solitude, reframing your mind with intentional gratitude, taking a moment outside to worship Jesus, reflect on all He has done. Treasure them in your heart. Write them down to remind yourself of what He has done. Then give Him the glory He deserves.
Today I am going to find rest by reflecting. How can you find rest today?
