Mary Pondered these Things in her Heart
(NIV) 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Tonight is Christmas Eve, 2024. I have watched Home Alone for the umpteenth time, and I am reading the account of Jesus’ birth for more than the umpteenth time. I partook of Holy Communion on Sunday morning, repeating the liturgy to myself that I spoke so many times. I listened to Rev. Mark Evans’ sermon, “From the Cradle to the Cross,” where he made the very salient point that without the cradle we could not have had the Cross.
On Sunday night we returned for a Candlelight Service, where we celebrated the first Advent of Jesus, and the service concluded with lighting individual candles. My bonus child, Shawna, accompanied us and it was so good to worship with her again.
I think of the part of the Scripture that reads, “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” What did Mary consider that night so long ago? Just a young teenager, had she been given any insight into what was to come?
Pondering means to reflect, meditate or ruminate. Did Mary pray for supernatural knowledge or wisdom, or was she content to rest in God? Could I be as faithful as she? Could you?
May we, as we celebrate another Christmas, remain faithful to the calling of Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as God made flesh as we share His light with a world that is in darkness.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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