Recently, I spent a weekend on a women’s silent retreat.  I thought it would be difficult to actually be around friends, eat with them, sing with them, and pray with them and keep quiet all the time!  It wasn’t difficult and it was one of the best times I ever spent with God.  We were in a beautiful setting, at a beautiful time of year.  I learned to ponder God’s words and took many of them to heart those two days.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, did that too at the time she gave birth to Jesus in a stable.  His birth caused the heavens to declare the glory of God when the angels sang. 

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

The shepherds immediately went to find the Savior of Whom the angels sang and when their visit ended, they left praising God.  “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)

I learned so much about God during that weekend retreat, during that time I spent pondering His word and our relationship.  I wasn’t doing anything for Him, just spending time with Him alone.  I imagine that was what Mary did too.

~ Take it to heart ~

Take time to BE with God…Like Mary, ponder His miracles in your heart.

Categories: Devotions