SHELBY TOWNSHIP – We are in the midst of the crazy and busy Christmas season. It seems as if time speeds up from November 1st to January 1st! So often we rush store to store in search of the perfect Christmas gift, we feel pressure to attend all the holiday events we are invited to, and we try to fit in all the holiday baking that is expected of us by our family. If we are not careful, we can get caught up in all the activity and commercialism of the season and miss what the season is all about!
A verse I have been thinking on over the last few weeks comes from Luke right in the middle of the Christmas story. The shepherds had been in the field keeping watch over their flock, when suddenly, they were greeted by an angel who told them that a Savior had been born. They were instructed to go to Bethlehem and find the baby who would be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Once the shepherds saw Him, they began to spread the word about all the things they had heard and seen.
However, Mary’s response is found in Luke 2:19 (NIV) –
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
I wonder how we react when we encounter the Savior? Do we rush off to share the signs and wonders He has revealed to us or are we quiet and still before the Lord and take time to treasure the encounter that we experienced and ponder the moment?
God has been speaking to me lately about sitting with Him and soaking in the moments of revelations that He brings. These are special moments given to us through our personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. If a friend were to share something personal and meaningful with me, I wouldn’t rush off to tell others. I would listen to her and just sit and be still in her presence.
I think that is what God wants us to do as well. Before we rush off to share a revelation we have received, we need to linger a little longer in God’s presence and treasure the gift we have just been given. When we take time to ponder the things of God, they become a part of us.
Proverbs 4:20 – 21 (NIV) says,
Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.
One thing that helps me to ponder the things of God, is by journaling. I like to journal when God speaks things to me through His Word or through His Spirit. Oftentimes we think we will remember the moment because it is so impactful, but I have found that if I don’t write it down, it fades quickly from my memory. By keeping a record of what God has spoken, I can treasure that moment and keep it to refer to when I am going through a hard time. This serves as a reminder of what God has done in my life in the past.
What are you treasuring this Christmas season? Are you so wrapped up in the busyness of expectations and holiday traditions that you aren’t even able to receive what Jesus wants to give you? Are you only giving Him a few minutes each day, rushing off to the next thing on your “to do” list?
Jesus has to be the priority of our lives. This may look like saying “no” to an invitation or laying down a holiday tradition. Once you carve out the time to be with Him, simply sit at His feet and adore Him. Remember why He came and let the Holy Spirit show you the deeper things of God.
I pray you will take time this Christmas season to be still in God’s presence and to receive all He wants to give you. As He pours out his blessings on you, treasure the experience and ponder them in your heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karen is married to Scott Blanchard, pastor of Lakepointe Church, and moved from Florida to Michigan in the summer of 2009 to plant Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township. She enjoys mentoring and discipling women and also leads women’s life groups through her church. She is passionate about helping women find their purpose in who God created them to be. She is on staff at Lakepointe Church and loves being part of what God is doing in the Metro Detroit area.