“Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.”

Luke 2:19 CSB

A little bit ago at this point, we had a small amount of snow come to North Carolina. By snow of course I mean a wintery mix of rain and “snow,” but that’s not the point. What I always love about these moments, is the beauty that comes. I was able to be outside at night and just listen to the snowfall and watch the little bits of it build up around the Christmas lights on the house, it was wonderful, and in this quiet moment, I was able to reflect on all of the joys that I have in my life.

I adore these quiet moments of Christmas, whether it’s the sound of laughter from Violet playing, nothing but the light of the Christmas tree in the living room after everyone is asleep, or the sounds of wrapping paper covering gifts as dear Danielle and I sit on the floor of our room. To me that’s the magic and it reminds me of the importance to embrace the quiet moments in our lives.

When you embrace the quiet beauty in life, your perspective shifts to the holy gift that Christ gives to each of us.

When we look at the Christmas story, it’s filled with faith from two people that God chose to use. In their faith they said yes to being the earthly parents of the savior, walking miles in order to go back to their hometown, and then having Jesus in a stable surrounded by animals (as well as a whole bunch of shepherds too); yet, in all of this Mary is content and scripture says that she treasured it all up and meditated on them.

There is a supernatural element in this holy moment, Mary has said yes in this moment, and knows that what she has said yes to, will change the world forever.

She doesn’t have a spirit of pride but one of quiet reflection, content and thankful for this gift.

It wasn’t an easy task or one that would mean life would be without issue, and yet she chooses to say yes, and treasure the moment.

No matter what season of life you may find yourself in, you can reflect on the beauty of life all around you, even the quiet joys.

It’s important, especially in this season of busy schedules, hectic last-minute shopping, and coordinating which celebration is happening where, to actually create space to have quiet. There isn’t that much time left until Christmas, so make space in your life to have quiet reflection.

That might be difficult, but it could also be an opportunity. Say no to something, cut out screen time, wake up just a few minutes earlier, sit in silence; whatever it may look like, set aside time to be in quiet reflection of the beauty of this season.

God speaks to us in the quiet whispers, which means it is our job to tune our ears to those whispers.

I think this season is very vital to our own spiritual journey, as we are reminded of the savior who came to save us. The one who came as a small baby to grow up and present us with an example of how to live, and then make the final stand in order to restore a fractured plan that God had made in the beginning.

This savior reminds us that we have been beautifully and wonderfully created, with purpose and a unique personality that no one else has. This identity gives us meaning in the larger world, one that needs what you have to offer it.

God loves you and created you to be a loving light in the world shining for Him in every area of life.

You have been created and called with a great purpose, to show others that there is hope in the midst of the unknowns that we often find ourselves in.

If you would simply quiet yourself to the beauty of God’s whispers to you, you can understand the love that comes from a good creator.

The quiet beauty of Christmas is the reminder that God sent us a savior, in the form of a small child, so that we could be restored again into a family.

That is why we celebrate and embrace this season, because we do not have to live in heartache and pain, but one of joy and deep love for those around us. So, find a quiet place. Listen to God through His word and prayer, because there is so much life change that can take place, so much fruit that will grow from your spirit that you simply cannot share with others.

This is the why, this is the importance of embracing the savior’s love.

Take time before the busy holiday rush, to embrace the quiet beauty of Christmas.

-Your pastor and friend, Joshua.

---

About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a husband, father, and pastor doing what he can to love others the way Jesus did. You can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. He may not have it all figured out, but the journey is the best part. You can find him on the social media he uses Tik Tok, Bluesky and Instagram