What Are You Treasuring in Your Heart this Christmas? - Your Nightly Prayer
December 25, 2024
What Are You Treasuring in Your Heart this Christmas?
Your Nightly Prayer for Dec. 25, 2025
by Lynette Kittle
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”--Luke 2:19
SOMETHING TO PONDER
How many of us have been given wonderful news, so wonderful that we hold onto it privately in our hearts, contemplating what it might all mean in our lives going forward, savoring the delight, and taking into consideration all it brings to us? Luke 2:15-18 describes what happened following angels appearing to shepherds in the fields at Jesus’ birth.
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
What heavenly fanfare God produced to welcome Jesus, the Savior of the world, to earth. No other birth announcement ever made in the world, not even the most highly publicized royal or Hollywood birth, compares to it. Mary was most likely unexpectedly surprised by God’s glorious greeting of her newborn son. She probably had no idea of His publicity plan to lead three wise men by a special star or send angels to light up the skies. As a new mother, Mary had a lot to take in, and she chose to treasure it all in her heart. For most new mothers, comments consist of hearing who their newborn looks most like in the family and how siblings are going to react to having a new brother or sister.
Like Mary, most mothers dream of who their baby will become, but Mary had more than any other woman to consider. She had an angelic proclamation spoken over her new Son, words that could be overwhelming for any new mother. As well, Mary just gave birth in a stable, which seems far away from the majestic angelic announcement that just occurred. She most likely needed time to process all that happened and to reconcile it to what Gabriel told her before Jesus’ conception and birth. Jesus’ spectacular arrival announcement most likely would be over-the-top for any woman to digest, even more for a brand-new mother who conceived her baby supernaturally. Like Mary, we can know when God speaks to our hearts and to others about us, and through His word, we can hang onto it.
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” - Proverbs 30:5
In a world where “talk is cheap,” there is comfort in knowing that God’s word is flawless, as Psalm 12:6 confirms,” And the words of the Lord are flawless like silver purified in a crucible like gold refined seven times.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Father,
We thank You for the words You speak to our hearts and for the promises You give us through Your word and Your Holy Spirit. Like Mary, help us to believe and receive all that You have for us. Let us treasure and ponder in our hearts Your flawless, perfect word that is life to us. Remove all doubt and unbelief and help us to believe You, trusting Your will for our lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Like Mary, is there something you’re treasuring in your heart? If so, take time to enjoy and savor the joy and blessing it brings to your heart, considering the specialness of it.
2. What ways can you encourage those around you in regard to God’s promises for their lives? Look for ways to uplift and speak life to them.
3. Ask God to speak to your loved ones and friends in ways they, too, can treasure in their hearts. Let Him lead you in praying for them.
Photo Credit: ©Andreas Kretschmer/Unsplash
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!