Reprinted from The Inspired Room, December 2007
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!
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year Melissa and to all your family, hope you a wonderful time,..even with all stresses of the move! take care xox
annes inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
The Lord is so good to allow you this reflective time right in the middle of the whirl of extra activity. These are beautiful words and thoughts for today. Much love to you…
Vees inspiring blog post..Christmas Eve
What a beautiful blog you have! I found you by way of a link at My Thoughts and Creations. Mary Did You Know is my very favorite Christmas song. If you have time, drop by my blog and listen to my precious daughter-in-love singing this song. The link to Jen’s songs are in my post entitled Peace. Wishing you and yours the best Christmas season ever. xoxo
Betty Jos inspiring blog post..Peace
MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours, Melissa…
love, bj
Merry Christmas Melissa! Thank you for sharing the words of this song. They are very special.
I’m so thankful for the gift of His love. I am awed that all we have to do is …to receive it. For some that is hard to do. I am overwhelmed that He chose me. I’m so glad to find other women with a similar heart; ones that are being transformed by His precious love. May you have peace during this time of transition for you and your family.
Debbies inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas & Elf Yourself
Have a very blessed Christmas, Melissa and family!
Kellys inspiring blog post..Feminine Friday: Where have all the dresses gone?
Merry Christmas, Melissa! I am looking forward to the most magical, Holy evening – the evening service at our Church. There’s nothing more fulfilling to me than praising God in His house on Christmas Eve.
May your home and spirit be filled with His love!
Leannes inspiring blog post..Jerry : Graphite Portrait Complete
Thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts- I too have similar thoughts-I love that song.
It is a blessings to find Women all over that believe in Christ and share his message- Thanks
Merry Christmas
Your heartfelt thoughts resonate so deeply within me, I am experiencing the very thing Melissa. I wish you a very blessed Christmas and I give thanks for you and all you do, love to you and your precious family.
xo
j
Julias inspiring blog post..A year in review….
Melissa, Merry Christmas! Wishing you a beautiful, memory making Christmas filled with the laughter of those you love. That is a song that never fails to make me teary-eyed. We are blessed to know Christ
xo Lidy
frenchgardenhouses inspiring blog post..
Beautiful and so thought provoking. I am feeling the same way, it is OVERWHELMING to think about ALL of it and how it came to be! I have the same pic on my post too!
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hugs,
LeAnn:)
LeAnns inspiring blog post..AND HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED………..
Me too, Melissa, me too.
Merry, Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your thoughts on Christmas! Wishing you a very blessed one as well Melissa!
Beautiful post Melissa! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hugs~
Tara
These exact sentiments have been in my head this entire season, too. We put up minimal decorations, and yet, it feels more like Christmas than ever. We have a 9-month old son (our first baby) and, as I told my husband last night, I have such a greater appreciation for The Christmas Story than ever before. For Mary’s sacrifice — and for Joseph’s — and for Baby Jesus’.
Thanks for your blog.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Merry Christmas, Melissa. Wishing you a painless and speedy move! Your post is so touching- I love that song. Another one that I love is Chris Rice’s “Welcome To Our World”. Blessings to you and yours!
May you enjoy a blessed and peaceful Christmas! Create some magical memories.
Dear Melissa,
And a VERY Merry Christmas to YOU!
Thank you for blessing my life today with this post : )
You create a wonderful blog which I enjoy so much, and follow while we travel around the world! Just today we booked our air tickets back to W. Africa — there, the people we know are poor, yet they always greet us with gifts and when we leave, it is the same. This time of year reminds me so much of how little we need of material things, but it is important too to make a home we love, as it is the space in which to nurture friendship and love.
Thanks again and God Bless!
Andree
Merry Christmas Melissa!
Mary Did You Know is one of my favorite Christmas songs.
Diane
Beautiful post! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
LuLu
LuLus inspiring blog post..Cookies For Santa
Love that song. Merry Christmas to you and your family. May you find the Babe in Bethleham in all you see and do this coming year.
Good luck with the move!
Mrs darlings inspiring blog post..Blessings From Our Home to Yours
Merry Christmas to you and your family Mellissa:>)
Kathys inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas Everyone!
I’m sick this Christmas, and forced contemplation is about all I am good for today. Thanks for giving me something to think about.
thatgirlblogss inspiring blog post..Elf Yourself
God’s blessings to you and your family, sweet Melissa.
Beverlys inspiring blog post..What’s My Question Wednesday and Christmas At Our Home – Day Twenty-Four
Melissa…
God bless and hold you and yours close, and let His peace that is beyond understanding surround you and fill your heart with His love, now, and all year long.
Merry Christmas!
~Debbie
Debbies inspiring blog post..Happy Birthday Jesus
That is one of my most favorite Christmas songs ~ It just amazes me to try and really really imagine how Mary felt knowing that she was going to give birth to our Savior ~ it is so beyond comprehension to me and yet so beautiful ~
Merry Christmas !
xoxo,
Lori
Loris inspiring blog post..A Visit to the Gaylord Texan Resort
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
Love Suzy
Suzys inspiring blog post..Holiday joy and family
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Manuela
The pleasures of homemakings inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas Everyone!
YES! This post was so worth reading today. The joy of creativity and visual beauty fades, but the joy of the Lord deeply lasts forever. Come, Lord Jesus….
What a lovely post! Thank you so much Melissa for all the joy and inspiration you have brought to me since I found your blog this past October. You and the Inspired Room have been an answer to prayer! My post today has scenes from our Italian Nativity which is a focal point of our family celebration.
Just dropping in to wish you a Merry Christmas!!
~Blessings,
Jan & Tom
Jans inspiring blog post..Blessings of Christmas…
Beautiful Melissa! Thanks so much for your “inspiration” this year!
A Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Karla & Karrie
The Summer Kitchen Girlss inspiring blog post..Christmas Blessings
I’ve visited your blog off and on…boy, am I glad I checked in today. I feel the same way you have. Watching my boys grow (now 14 and 10), I know what it is like to love your son and can’t imagine what Mary endured. I never heard this song, but have now listened to several versions on youtube…beautiful. And really captures the Reason for the Season. Our sermon at church spoke of the fact that of all the kings, presidents, world leaders, conquerers, in all of history…no other single person has left an impression like Jesus Christ. I’m so blessed to have Him as the center of my life, and the center of the Christmas season. I’m glad you do, too. God Bless You.
I love the song “Mary Did you Know”. I am also amazed at how special it is to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. My family and I sang Happy Birthday to Jesus this morning before opening gifts. It was so nice to share with my children about the true meaning of Christmas. What a wonderful day it is!
God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Dawn
@PainterMommy
http://www.paintermommy.com
By the way, I added your button on my new site. Check it out when you have a chance. Your button is under “Sites I Love”.
Dawn Papandrea-Khans inspiring blog post..The Blogger’s Survey RESULTS are in!!
I could not of said it better myself!
I think of the incredible faith Mary had and the courage God gave her!
I can only imagine what Mary pondered in her heart and quietly treasured, it brings tears to my eyes!
thank you for the beautiful post!
Lovely post. My sentiments exactly. God bless you and your family with a wonderful, memorable Christmas.
Elizabeth
Elizabeths inspiring blog post..One Solitary Life
JOYEUX NOEL ! Merry xmas to you too !
Valerie from Belgium !
Valerie @ Leonetlolas inspiring blog post..JOYEUX NOEL !
Melissa-
I loved this blog. Beautiful. Here are part of the lyrics of the song I feel God is singing over you.
Melissa, do you know the purpose I have for you? Melissa, do you know I have called you for such a time as this? Melissa, do you know I am so proud of you. Melissa, do you know that you are being my hands and feet for so many to see. I have loved you since the beginning of time. I am with you always and have a great plan for your life. Melissa, thank you for doing a great work and not coming down.
It has been a joy getting to know you through your blog. Your blog, friendship has been a blessing in my life.
Hope@Monkeygiggless inspiring blog post..Remembering
Melissa, what beatiful thoughts. I haven’t stopped since Thanksgiving and am enjoying today just sitting reading my favorite blogs and hearing how everyone has been celebrating. Your quiet contemplation captures my heart because it’s really what we should be doing this time of year. I love this song, too, and always find its truths so poignant. I pray your Christmas was blessed and filled with love.
Blessings,
Christi
Christi from Charm & Graces inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas!
Melissa,
I hope that you and your family had a wonderful and Merry Christmas this year.
Blessings,
Melissa
Melissa (Missy)s inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas!
Everytime I hear “Mary, Did You Know” I cry. When I see Mark Lowery acting like a clown I realize again you can’t make snap judgments. My mind says, How can he act so stupid and be so tender when he writes. I purchased the cd and a little book at a book store when it first came out and I’m so glad I did.
Also, forgot to say how much I am enjoying your blog. Should I tell you how excited my grandchildren were when we had a few flakes of snow on the Mississippi Coast? And real snow where it stuck in the woods on the side of the road? Please smile as you see the snow outside and make another cup of cocoa!
Hugs
A beautiful post.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, in the midst of snow storms and packing and all the changes that life brings us, it is possible to have a wonderful holiday together.
Pearl Maples inspiring blog post..Happy Sky Watching for Christmas
Someone else wrote a post about “Who are you at the Nativity?” As I’ve thought about that this morning…and reading your post here…I’ve decided that I am the humble stable He was born into. He has taken up residence in my heart and I will NEVER be the same again. Thank you for inspiring me to be more creative in various ways.
Deborahs inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas!
I hope you had a wonderful blessed Christmas!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Under Construction…
Thank you, thank you for this most touching post. What a ministry your bog is to me. God’s blessings to you.
It is January 2010, and as the Christmas season passes, I come upon your message of our great King being born; and it puts my heart at rest knowing our Savior was born so many, many years ago, and He is still with to us today….and will be with us always. Thanks for that uplifting message.