12/08/2021
As women, we can easily become overwhelmed this time of year. Let's face it, if it weren't for us, Christmas probably wouldn't happen, am I right?! We do the decorating, the baking, the shopping, the card sending, stocking hanging, ALL the 'ings'. And we love it, because we want Christmas to be special for our families. We want them to have warm memories, to feel loved and appreciated. In light of that, we often forget to take time to pamper ourselves with a bubble bath, read a good book, have a cup of something warm and soothing, We forget to show ourselves grace when things don't work out perfectly, and stress over making sure the turkey won't be dry, and sometimes, we even resent not receiving compliments for all we do.
The answer to all of this, is to start your day spending time with the one we're celebrating. Sit quietly and listen for His voice, read His word, put some worship music on and focus on Him, the one who gives us the strength to accomplish all we need to accomplish in a day.
I chose this song to share with you ladies, because it has always touched my heart. While what we do for our families to celebrate Christmas is important, we need to remind ourselves of another woman, a very young woman, who faced even more daunting challenges, to bring about God's purpose in the earth. What incredible faith, and selflessness Mary showed when she aligned herself with God's will! Luke 2:19 says 'Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.' She didn't want to miss a moment of what God was doing, and she had to hold close to herself, all that God had revealed to her, because it wasn't going to be easy. She knew she couldn't do it in her own strength.
Let's encourage ourselves and each other, as we prepare for Christmas, to be like Mary. As you're hanging those stockings, treasure up and ponder in your heart, all the things God has spoken to you over this past year, all the ways He has shown Himself faithful, and recommit to align yourself with His purposes. Just as Mary brought Him into the world to be its savior, we are to continue revealing Him to the world through our obedience to the Father's will.
Lyrics video.....enjoy!
