Ponder

Luke 2:16-20

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. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Has there ever been a more clear model as to how to observe Christmas?. In the presence of the Christ child, Mary stopped. She did not rush around to prepare for guests. She did not tidy up the stable, no she dwelt at the manger and took in everything; every little breath, every gurgle, every cry, every nursing sigh. She pondered this baby who had finally arrived. She counted every little finger and every little toe. Here was her child. Her first. The Son of God. Jesus.

She didn't just experience all of the events of that night, no, Mary pondered them. But what was there to wonder about. She didn't just wonder, she was in wonder. Her thoughts probably ran the gambit of human emotion. How could it be that God would bless her so? How did Joseph find the strength to stay by her side all those long months? How could the shepherds have known about His birth? Could he be any more perfect? Can this moment last forever? Her heart was full to overflowing and she treasured it all.

That can be the only correct response to Christmas...to stop and take it in. Take in the wonder of what happened in that stable. Take in the beauty of God on Earth laying in a manger. Slow down and appreciate all that took place, every prophesy that was fullfilled that that we might have salvation. Read the story once more. Treasure it. Ponder it, and then praise God for his indescribable gift!

Prayer: Jesus, Savior of us all, there are no words to describe the depth of love that came to earth for us at Christmas, so we will simple say thank you. We treasure you. Amen