“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 her heart.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:16-19

Mary didn’t miss the moment! She treasured the things that were happening all around her and pondered them in her heart. I am not sure I would have reacted like Mary did.  It had been a very long journey. No inn rooms were available. She ended up birthing baby Jesus among animals and had to use a manger as a crib. Then guests (shepherds) they didn’t even know show up for an unexpected visit.  Yet in the midst of it all, Mary paused and took time to treasure—to ponder—to take it all in—to savor the moment.

I bet none of what happened went according to HER plan. Yep, I’d say her ideal birthing plan went right out the window! But Mary let go of control and let God take over and do His thing.

I recently heard Pastor Craig Groeschel say in a sermon, “God can do way more through your surrender than you could ever do through your control.”

That statement really hit home with me.

Honestly, Christmas can be a whirlwind of stress for me. I get stressed over the cooking, the presents, the shopping, the expectations, the busyness, the interruptions. My prayer during the Christmas season has been, “Lord, help me be still and know that You are God. Continually remind me what Christmas is really about—You, Jesus.  I don’t want to miss You this Christmas.”

So let’s not miss Him today!  Even if things don’t go according to plan, roll with it! Treasure the moments with your family. Ponder the blessings in your heart. Take time to be still and know that He is God. Savor the best gift of all.

Jesus.

‬“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!