THE HEART OF MARY
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 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 heart.” (Luke 2: 16-19)
Can you imagine how Mary must have felt over these last months? To have an angel appear to you and state that you are a “chosen woman” and that you would conceive a child as a virgin? Later when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth her unborn baby leaped at the sound of Mary’s voice. Again Mary is called “blessed because she believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
This is a glance of humility. God took an ordinary woman, “a lowly servant girl” and gave her the biggest job any woman could ever be given. She was to be the Mother of the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord! But did she stress, complain or go around worried that she wasn’t fit for this role? No. Did she brag and bring attention to herself? No Her answer to all that she had been handed in life was one of faith and trust. “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38)
Today is by far probably the busiest day of the year. Cookies need to be made, presents need to be wrapped, and for some last minute shopping is on the list. But I encourage you today to find time to spend with God in His word and in prayer. Treasure in Luke 2:19 means to “keep carefully, to guard.” The words God has given us from Genesis to Revelation are meant to be kept carefully in our hearts and for us to ponder on them, to really think about what they mean and how we can apply them to our own lives.
Like Mary, God uses ordinary people to do big things but we first have to make ourselves available to Him. You may not fully understand each and every word in the Bible, but God will reveal himself to you through your readings and reflection. You will be blessed, through faith and the Holy Spirit, when you believe the words that are written. And you will find peace, joy, and love.
Merry Christmas! Stay Rooted!
Love to all, Heather
