Find Some Stillness

Read

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 the shredded wrapping paper is stuffed into trash bags and the holiday decorations come down, the end of another year looms. The past twelve months have been a whirlwind—overflowing with news, opinions, and endless predictions about the future. Everywhere we turn, voices clamor for our attention, leaving little room for reflection.

In the midst of this noise, there's an invitation to pause and ponder. Consider Mary, the mother of Jesus. After the miraculous events of that first Christmas—angels singing, shepherds visiting, and the birth of the Savior—Mary didn't rush to act or speak. Instead, as Luke 2:19 tells us, she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." She took time to reflect deeply on the significance of what had happened, allowing the magnitude of God's work to sink in.

In our fast-paced world, such stillness feels countercultural. We're conditioned to move quickly, to fix, to plan, to keep going. But perhaps what we need most as we close this year isn't more action—it's more reflection. Like Mary, we can choose to treasure the moments God has given us and think what he might be doing in and through them.

As you gather the remnants of Christmas and step into the new year, make room for stillness. Treasure the moments. Remember his faithfulness. In these quiet spaces, you'll find that God is at work, shaping your heart and preparing you for what lies ahead.

Apply

Write down one thing you are treasuring from this past year and one area you want to trust him with in the coming year.

Pray

Lord, thank you for the gift of quiet moments where I can reflect on your faithfulness. Help me to treasure what you’ve done in my life and trust you with what lies ahead. Teach me to pause, ponder, and listen for your voice in the stillness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.