I have read the Christmas story many times over the years, and each time, God reveals something new. Throughout the Bible, there are two references to Mary pondering something in her heart.
I imagine she was in quite a quandary over the news that she was expecting. When our “normal” is interrupted, whether good or bad, that causes us to ponder deeply our circumstances. What does ponder mean? I always think of sleepless nights—tossing and turning, trying to solve things in my mind. I flip pillows, switch from side to side, check the clock, and sometimes get up and go to my favorite chair. Well, maybe this is considered fretting.
Pondering is a profound consideration of things that are deep in our souls. It is an analysis of all the facts and how it affects us personally. In Mary’s situation, she was carrying the Savior. How do you begin to ponder that? To be chosen for this royal appointment is an enormous calling, and yet, in her time, it was met with great concern. What will people think? How will Joseph react? Will I become an outcast or be removed from my family?
This is often how we approach surprising circumstances in our lives. When things happen unexpectedly, our default might be creating a laundry list of worries. But, let’s ponder this instead: There is a divine plan for our lives, and that truth never changes, even when circumstances do.
The little baby that broke the silence in the night changed everything. And he still does today. I love Christmas Eve because it makes me stop and reflect on the life-changing event that occurred thousands of years ago in a humble stable to a young girl who was chosen by God. It changed my life, and for this, I celebrate the beautiful season of Christmas with great gratitude. Merry Christmas, dear friends!
Please feel free to share anything new that you have learned from reading the story of Jesus’ birth!