Start with Scripture and Rest Now

Sarah Pedrozo reflects on the quiet time of these few days, inviting us to imitate Mary in resting with Christ by pondering the Word of God. 

All the hustle and bustle of meeting the big Christmas deadline, December 25, has now passed.  

Although we try to keep the commercialization of Christmas to a minimum, we can’t help but be swept up by societal expectations.  We want our children to find at least some of the things they hoped for under the tree. We want to show our spouses and other loved ones that we truly do value them, by giving them something thoughtful. We know that it is important to remember the poor and needy, and so we do extra shopping, filling grocery bags and finding items requested on the Angel Tree.  

We go to the office Christmas parties and we bake cookies for neighbors. We hang up the lights and deck the halls. We watch the Christmas movies and decorate the tree.  

We also work on internal commitments. We attend the Advent Penance Service. We read daily meditations. We do special novenas and walk Las Posadas. We do, we pray, we go.  

All these things, both the external and the internal, are important. They matter. They remind us that we are in the world, but not of it. After all, if Joseph and Mary had to pack up and travel with everyone else, making a difficult journey, running into all kinds of inconveniences, at that first Christmas, who are we to excuse ourselves from participating in that same rush of serving others, now, more than 2,000 years later? Like them, we prepare for the birth of Christ while in the midst of an unusual flurry of activity. 

Take Time to Rest 

And now, it’s time to rest in the company of the One whose birth we commemorate on the 25th day of the 12th month, Jesus, the infant Christ. This is a well-earned respite. I imagine that Mary and Joseph did the same thing, in those first precious days after Jesus’ birth.   

Their rushing was finished. The stable had been found. The shepherd guests had come and gone. They could just dwell in His presence and look at the tiny child and ponder the incredible, earth-shattering fact that God had become man. God no longer simply pitched His tent among us, as in the days of the Israelites in the desert. He had done something even greater. He had actually become one of us.  

Imagine Mary Turning to Scripture 

When I think about Mother Mary at this time, I wonder what words she used to express her awe, her overwhelming wonder and gratitude to God as she gazed at her newborn babe. I suspect she turned to Scripture and repeated some of those words, offering her praise and worship to the One who would give His life for us.   

Imitating Mary in the worship of her Son is always a good thing to do. Perhaps in these quiet few days we are in now, this in-between time before the Three Kings come — before the world knocks on our door and we have to return to our duties — we, too, can ponder the Word of God with Mary, and find rest and rejuvenation for the year ahead. 

Scripture for the New Year: Old Testament   

With firm purpose You maintain peace; in peace, because of our trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4) 

My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation. God alone is my rock and salvation. (Psalm 62:2-3a) 

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. (Psalm 23:1-3) 

And you shall be secure, because there is hope; you shall look round you and lie down in safety; you shall lie down and no one will disturb you. (Job 11:18-19a) 

Scripture for the New Year: New Testament 

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) 

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all. (Galatians 6:9-10a) 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Sarah Pedrozo
Images: Canva