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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

When God shows up in our lives, our natural response is to praise him. We should naturally want to share his good works with others and encourage them. They are eyewitnesses of God’s goodness. And we see that it says that Mary treasured all these things up in her heart. I find this interesting. It seems a bit out of place. Except it is naturally what a loving mother does when good things happen to their children. Mary had a difficult journey and trial in getting to Bethlehem and we see she received the goodness of God and filled up on it!

Sometimes when I go through the trials and get on the other side, I don’t take the time to fully receive all of the goodness of God. This is an important lesson for me. God is about to do great and wonderful things in our world through his faithful followers. And the road will be hard and challenging, but the glory of God will be revealed in mighty ways. Let us take example from Mary not just in her perseverance but also in her taking time to receive God’s goodness.

Lord, thank you for your goodness you give to me to receive. It fills me up and helps me to see your faithfulness. I receive your goodness today. Thank you for all the many people you have blessed me with as friends, family members and mentors. Thank you for how you provide for me. I praise you and exalt your name for sending your Son to earth to save a sinner like me. You are worthy and wonderful!