Luke 2:18-19 “And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Think:
As we stuff the shredded wrapping paper into those familiar Amazon boxes, preparing them for trash pick-up, we can't help but realize that the year is ending. This year flew by like a whirlwind, inundating us with an overwhelming barrage of news, opinions, and predictions for the year ahead. It seems everyone is an advisor, informing us of what's to come, bombarding us with advice on every conceivable aspect of life.
But during this chaos, amidst the noise that engulfs us daily, we can pause and take time to ponder. Let’s think about the shepherds, the simple folk who were watching over their flocks when an angel appeared, announcing the birth of "Christ the Lord" in Bethlehem. They went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, just as the angels described. They informed Mary and the others who were there of the good news from the angels; they described everything they had seen and heard.
Yet, it was Mary who treasured and pondered these events in her heart. She took those spoken words and experiences and held them close; she thought about them deeply. It’s understandable that the full magnitude of Christ's mission would take time to absorb, even for her.
But in a world clamoring with noise and incessant information overload, the ability to treasure and ponder feels like a rare commodity. How do we make sense of this ever-changing world? Could it be that what we truly need isn't more information, but moments of stillness to acknowledge his presence? We need to take a step back, to ponder the events, thoughts, feelings, and truths that shape our lives. James 1:19 whispers wisdom to us: “Be slow to speak and quick to listen.” Perhaps, our setbacks are but blessings waiting to be unveiled in due time. God desires to illuminate our paths, to reveal his purpose through us and in us, but such insight often arrives in quiet moments.
As we gather the remnants of the holiday season and face the noise of the world around us, let’s seek those moments of pondering. We know that in those quiet spaces, God's hand is at work, revealing his grace and purpose for each of us.
Apply:
Purposefully seek moments of stillness and silence amidst the chaos. Listen for God’s voice as you read his Word. Shift your perspective. Instead of merely reacting to what is happening, consider what God might be trying to accomplish through or in you in each situation.
Pray:
God, the world around me feels chaotic, overwhelming, and ever-changing. Help me find moments of quiet space when I can hear your voice amidst the noise. Open my eyes to see your hand at work throughout my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.