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Christmas

As we are drawing nearer to the Christmas holiday, I finding myself strangely calm and quiet, yes, introspective! I am increasingly pulling back in my thoughts. I am less able to focus on creativity, home decor and twinkling lights — and inspiration is not springing forth to my blog. While I love all the festive homes, ideas and stories of holiday traditions, I’ve enjoyed each one so much, this week I find myself more in a contemplative mood. The story of Christ’s birth plays through my head and I am in awe of the miracle that took place and all the circumstances surrounding that event. I think about Mary and what she must’ve been feeling, giving birth that night. It is mentioned in the book of Luke that while so many things were happening to Mary, she “quietly treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” I love that. The thought of “quietly treasuring things” in our hearts.

I think of the song, Mary Did You Know, and I imagine some of the things she was thinking about. I am sure she was weighing the magnitude of her circumstance, the blessing and responsibility God himself had bestowed on her. She was treasuring in her heart what was taking place and pondering what was yet to come. As a mom myself, who has cradled an infant son in her arms, I feel a wave of emotion rush over me as I think about her thoughts that night.

Mary Did You Know written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know,
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered,
will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary, did you know
your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know,
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby,
you’ve kissed the face of God.

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know,
that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding, is the great I AM.

Every time I hear that song or think of the Christmas story, I imagine Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms, stroking his head, kissing his cheeks, holding him close, and treasuring it all in her heart. Such a simple picture but one that really touches me. A tiny baby, born in a humble stable, and an event that changed the world. I need nothing more than to slow down and treasure these things in my heart. I am content to do just that.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

63 Comments

  1. Terri

    What a sweet and thoughtful post. This is the meaning of Christmas…..Love to you and yours, Terri xo

    Reply
  2. Kathleen Grace

    So true. I was just reading the account of Jesus birth this morning in Luke and the phrase “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” really stood out to me. I can’t even imagine what she must have felt. I am slowing down too. My creative frenzy is just plain over and I find myself trying to just enjoy this next week for what it is. I don’t want any more parties or shopping or anything other than to slow down and really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. :>) Thank you for a beautiful post!

    Reply
  3. Rachael

    Beautiful Melissa, just beautiful. I have tears. It pulls it all back into perspective. Rachael

    Reply
  4. Judy

    Dear Melissa – Thank you so very much for visiting my new blog. When I came over to yours today I my heart just melted when I saw the words of “Mary Did You Know”. I love that song so much. I heard it on the radio this morning and it makes you want to cry when you think of Mary’s baby boy and what she knew he would face. I have a baby boy who is now 33 years old and a little grandson 3 years old….just the thought of what Mary went through….I can’t even imagine but thanks be to God that Jesus came to save us!
    On a different note, I always enjoy your blog….so very “inspiring”! Merry Christmas and God Bless You and Yours Family – Judy

    Reply
  5. Fay

    Melissa:
    Today is th 2nd time I’ve viewed your blog.
    … I love it.
    Thank you for reminding us all that Christ is the reason for the
    season.
    I have a new blog & welcome your comments when you have free time…Always looking to improve.

    May the peace of God be with you and your family this Christmas and the New Year.

    Reply
  6. Penless Writer

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment “o)

    I love the song “Mary Did You Know”. I also love the verse that says, “Mary pondered these things in her heart.” I would love to talk to Mary and ask her about that. Being a mother myself.
    Susan

    Reply
  7. Cre8Tiva

    this is the time for reflection and remembering…i love this song…it always makes me thoughtful…blessings, rebecca

    Reply
  8. Tamara

    Melissa, Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

    I LOVE your blog! I’ve really enjoyed your posts so much. This one was especially meaningful, and I appreciate the reminder to pull back, slow down, and ponder. I am planning a similar post in the next few days. “Mary Did You Know” is such a powerful song. I love these lines: “This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.” (what a wonderful promise!), “When you kiss your little baby,you’ve kissed the face of God.,” (the idea that God chose to come near to us in such an intimate fashion, to invite us to be intimate with Him), and “This sleeping child you’re holding, is the great I AM.” (never underestimate the creativity of God…the great I AM came as a helpless, weak, dependent, human infant, but still bore all the qualities of I AM!). Thank you for sharing!

    It is nice to “blogmeet” you!

    Reply
  9. Neutral Dwelling

    A beautiful post! I wish you a Merry Christmas too!

    Reply
  10. Christine

    Yes…That is Christmas! Christ and nothing more or less!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    hugs.

    Reply
  11. Dena

    Thank you for reminding me to pull back and get perspective on the true meaning of the season. I’ve been so busy working out the details of the finery that I truly needed that. What a peace filled post. Thanks :)

    Hugs,
    Dena

    Reply
  12. JO

    I am speechless… Have a Beautiful Christmas

    HUGS BLESSINGS LOVE

    JO

    Reply
  13. Kara Garber

    Wishing you a blessed Christmas with rejoicing……Crown Him, Crown Him—-Kings of Kings.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    Love,
    Matt, Kara & Luke

    Reply
  14. Natasha Burns

    Wonderful post Melissa, thank you for sharing it, so wonderful!

    Reply
  15. julia

    The Great I AM, the true meaning of this season and always.
    A joyful reminder to us all. Thank you and Merry Christmas everyone!
    ~j~

    Reply
  16. Penny, Mosaic Artist

    Lovely post Melissa, and perfect for today. I love that song too… Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
    Hugs,
    Penny

    Reply
  17. kari and kijsa

    Wishing you all the joys of the season…love, love, love that song!

    Merry Christmas blessings,

    kari and kijsa

    Reply
  18. Leanne

    It’s a beautiful song – and the most beautiful of days, isn’t it? Thank you for taking the time to share your feelings about the true meaning and spirit of Christmas!

    Reply
  19. Vee

    Melissa, may your holiday preparations be joy-filled and meaningful. Your post touched my heart. Merry Christmas to you, too!

    Reply
  20. Annechovie

    Thanks for this post, Melissa! It’s amazing how when we are still and quiet, we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and why Jesus is truly THE greatest gift!

    Reply
  21. A Fanciful Twist

    I have goosebumps right now…. I love that song and just realized I have not heard it at all this year… Oh, these are certainly thoughts that should be with us right now. xoxoxo

    Reply
  22. Rhonda

    You and I were on the same wave length in our posts yesterday.

    I absloultely love the song. It and “Breath of Heaven”.

    Have a wonderful Christmas, Melissa .

    Love ya,
    Rhonda

    Reply
  23. megan duerksen

    amen.
    i am teary eyed also.
    thank you for a lovely reminder this morning.
    have wonderful christmas.
    -meg

    Reply
  24. Lisa

    Happy holidays Melissa. All the best for a wonderful and creative New Year!

    Reply
  25. Catherine Holman

    Thanks so much for the beautiful reminder of where our hearts and minds really should be during the Christmas celebration.

    Reply
  26. Becky Schultea

    Sweet Melissa – thank you so much for this heartfelt and thoughtful post. We would all do well to pause and reflect on this miracle that has changed everything right down to our hearts. The song is an all time favorite of mine – thank you for sharing the lyrics… If I don’t speak to you before then, have a very blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with wonder and joy!

    Love and blessings,
    your BFF Becky S.

    Reply
  27. Lorrie

    Melissa,

    I love this song – its poignancy touches the heart of every mother. Thank you for posting this. Christ’s humble birth changed eternity for mankind.

    blessings,
    Lorrie

    Reply
  28. the feathered nest

    What a lovely thoughtful post Melissa! I just came by to wish you a Merry Christmas. I’m taking some time off to recharge and enjoy my DD being home from school. I’ll “see” you after Christmas.

    Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

    xoxo,

    Manuela

    Reply
  29. Emily-Sarah

    Thank you for sharing! God bless you and your family — and all your website and blog friends too. Many prayers that all of us will allow the peace, awe, and true gift of Christmas to seep beneath the outer layer of activities and take root in our hearts.

    Reply
  30. Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Hi Melissa! Sweetie, I’ve tagged you for the Christmas Hoopla. When you get a chance, check my blog for details. Hope you’re having a terrific day!
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Reply
  31. Mrs Branham

    Thanks for your comments on my blog- it’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one who has to adapt! and you’ve inspired me to make sure husband and I add to our traditions as our family grows! Thanks for sharing this post too! Such wisdom! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  32. Jenn and Jacqui

    Hi Melissa, a beautiful post, just beautiful.

    Merry merry Christmas to you and your family Melissa and an extra cuddle to Winston :)

    Jenn and Jacqui xo

    Reply
  33. Pat

    Lovely post, Melissa! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    Pat

    Reply
  34. Polly

    I thought about this the other day: An angel appeared to both Mary and Joseph… The shepherds told the couple that an angel appeared to them… The Magi followed a mysterious star… Simeon told them of all the wonderous things this child would do… And yet Mary and Joseph still “marveled”. I suppose it WOULD take quite a lot of convincing to believe that this baby is the promised Christ. Blessings… Polly

    Reply
  35. Jennifer

    Merry, Merry Christmas, Melissa! Thank you so much for all the wonderful posts, inspiration, and ideas you give. Hugs,
    Jennifer

    Reply
  36. Carrie

    Your wonderful post really inspires us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It helps us reflect on why we celebrate this day. I have enjoyed that song from the first time I heard it sung. It really expresses the paradox of Christ’s birth.
    Have a blessed Christmas,
    Carrie

    Reply
  37. Ann

    What a lovely Christmas post. I applaud you in this time of change and question in our culture. Your sentiments are absolutely beautiful.

    Reply
  38. Robin

    I was just telling Rhonda that this season is full of reflection for me and I could almost cry on demand…or by reading posts like THIS one…..I don’t know if its joy, sorrow or what! That song also reminds me of This Endris Night where Baby Jesus and Mary are speaking to each other of the future. Beautiful.
    Merry Merry Christmas!
    Love,
    Robin

    Reply
  39. Linda

    Lovely post..thank you for the gentle reminder of the true meaning of this joyous season. Linda

    Reply
  40. Elzie

    Just popped in to wish you a very, Merry Christmas. Take care.
    Love Elzie

    Reply
  41. Shannon

    I LOVE THAT SONG! I love that picture too. It is quite a miracle what God did by sending his Son to us! And then an amazing gift and sacrifice that He died on the cross for our sins! It is very humbling. Thanks for your introspective post!

    Hey, I’m doing a giveaway, so stop by and enter!

    Reply
  42. sue

    Melissa,
    I have been doing the same thing! ‘Mary Did You Know?’ has been playing on our local Christian radio station (WMUX) that I listen to all the time and every time it comes on it stops me dead in my tracks and takes me right to that manger and right to the birth of my own children.
    Beautiful post Melissa. God bless you and your family.
    Merry Christmas,
    Sue

    Reply
  43. le petit cabinet de curiosites

    It is a very touching post!!
    I didn’t know this song , it is wonderful.
    Thank you for reminding us the meaning of christmas…

    Reply
  44. carole holt

    This post was beautiful. It gave me chills. I never thought about Mary’s thoughts at this time. Thank you for that. Beautiful.
    Carole

    Reply
  45. mary

    Buon natale di cuore a te e tutti i tuoi cari. Serenità a pace per il nuovo anno. Mary

    Reply
  46. Nan

    Lovely post.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours.
    Hugs,
    Nan

    Reply
  47. Mockingbird Hill

    Melissa..
    Wishes for a Happy Christmas to you and yours!

    Cheers,
    Cassie

    Reply
  48. Terri Pollhein

    I love this song. I believe it’s my favorite Christmas song ever.
    Happy Christmas!
    Terri

    Reply
  49. {this is glamorous}

    I’m not familiar with the song, but I do know what you mean about feeling a little introspective–I’ve been the same way recently–thanks for reminding us to take a moment to put it all into perspective.

    Have a very Merry Christmas, Melissa!

    xo

    Reply
  50. Paris Parfait

    Melissa, wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays!

    Reply
  51. Camilla

    Hi

    Merry christmas to you. Beautiful post :)

    Reply
  52. rochambeau

    Merry Christmas Melissa,
    You add happiness to my life and to so many lives.
    I’m grateful the blogosphere has brought you into my life.
    May you continue to be surrounded by light and love.
    Constance

    Reply
  53. Lora

    Your blog is so lovely and inspiring! After looking at all the gorgeous rooms, my head is filled with visions of sugarplums!

    Reply
  54. Bonnie

    Oh, that is a beautiful song! We sang it last year in our church choir Christmas concert & it was such a treat to sing! I still sing it in the car on the CD! It is so moving…….Merry Christmas, Melissa!

    Reply
  55. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    Such a lovely post Melissa – from such a lovely friend!
    Wishing you happiness and contentment this Christmas.
    Blessings to you and yours and thank you for always being such an inspiration!

    Hugs to Winston, too!

    Love,
    Becky

    Reply
  56. Erin

    Melissa,

    I love your post so much and feel just as you do. The newest member of our family is 7 months old today, Christmas Eve and every time I look into his sweet face, I think of the beautiful Christmas story. Thank you for wonderful thoughts!!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family and God Bless!

    Erin

    Reply
  57. Ruth Welter

    Hi Melissa,

    Thank you for the note…you enjoy your pendant. It was so nice to meet you this year and I wish you the best for the holiday season and all throughout the new year.

    Reply
  58. Barbara

    A lovely post and yes that is a great song. I feel the same as it get’s near Christmas, I just want to slow right down.
    Have a great Christmas and a blessed New Year.

    Reply
  59. Lady N

    lovely post! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  60. naturegirl

    Melissa this post is what the true meaning of Christmas is all about! Thank you for posting.
    Having broken my ankle 2 weeks ago I have much time to pull back on my thoughts..
    wishing you peace and the Joy during this Christmas celebration.
    hugs NG

    Reply
  61. shelbi

    this song makes me cry …sniff. I NEED A TISSUE!

    Reply
  62. Loretta

    Hi, I also love Mary Did You Know and have a recording of it by Kiri Te Kanawa that I listen to over and over and just leaves me in tears.

    All the blessings of the New Year to you and yours.

    Reply

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