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Manger Musings: The Gift of Stillness (December 27)


Verse:  "And Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

Amidst the twinkling lights, the festive carols, and the joyful chaos of holiday gatherings, a hush falls over the manger. Mary, cradling the newborn King, doesn't just observe the wonder unfolding around her; she holds it all within, "ponders them in her heart." In that quiet space, amidst the joyous noise, she receives the precious gift of stillness.

For us, too, the season beckons with a similar invitation. Yes, let us celebrate with gusto, raise our voices in song, and share the warmth of togetherness. But amidst the merrymaking, let us not forget Mary's gentle example. Let us carve out moments of quiet, where the tinsel-trimmed world fades away and only the soft glow of the Christ child remains.

In those hushed spaces, bathed in the golden light of contemplation, we discover a treasure more precious than any earthly gift: the gift of stillness. It's in the quiet corners that we truly encounter the newborn King, not in the grandeur of the celebration, but in the whisper of awe within our hearts.

  Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as the echoes of holiday cheer gradually fade, grant us the grace to seek the stillness You offer. Lead us to quiet corners where we can ponder the miracle of Your Son's birth, not with the cacophony of the world, but with the gentle symphony of our own hearts. May we receive the gift of Your presence, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the joy that only You can bring. Amen.

 Challenge:

This week, amidst the busyness of the post-holiday season, challenge yourself to create a space for stillness. Find a quiet corner, dim the lights, light a candle, and simply be present. Breathe deeply, listen to the gentle rhythm of your heart, and allow yourself to ponder the wonder of Christmas. In that quiet space, receive the gift of stillness and rediscover the true meaning of the season – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May the peace and wonder of the manger continue to bless you this Christmas season and beyond.

Written by: Shane Lents 

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