Pondering
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” ~ Luke 2:15-20 (ESV – emphasis mine)
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary Did You Know”. Over the last three weeks I probably have heard/sung the song a couple dozen times (find the lyrics at E-Mom’s blog here). Every time I heard/sung this song I thought if “Mary really knew…”
Mary was a very young girl when she gave birth to her first-born. Not only was she in a foreign city, away from family, but she knew that her little boy was not an ordinary boy. He was the Son of God. We know very little about Mary’s thoughts, except what Luke is writing in “The Magnificat“.
When Mary held her little boy in the first nights after the birth, I wonder what she pondered in her heart. Yes, Jesus was the Son of God. Yes, He was to bring salvation. But at what cost. I so often wonder if Mary knew what it would cost to bring salvation to all mankind. Did she know that she would see her Son hung on the cross 33 years later? I don’t know.
Mary may have not known all the details about her Son’s life, but she knew that He was God’s answer to salvation. She was God’s obedient servant — she trusted that all will work out in the end. Even if it meant that her mother’s heart would be broken…
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You had the perfect plan from the beginning. Thank You for given us hope today. Lord, help us to celebrate Christmas not only once a year, but 365 days. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen
Merry Christmas…
Amen.
Iris,
Yes what a great song “Mary did you know?” also one of my favorite Christmas songs. I have often pondered on what it must have been like for such a young Mother to not only hold the King of Kings in her arms but then to watch her son die in such a brutal way. She had to of been an incredibly amazing woman. What a gift she brought to the world! Merry Christmas Iris!
Iris, beautiful post for this most excellent day. I thought about that, too, all the things Mary must have treasured in her heart. Just think of how much we love Jesus – she loved Him so much that she was obedient to Him even before the Word became flesh. How great is that? I love that song, too. It’s beautiful and so thought-provoking.
Beautiful post for this Christmas Day. and His name shall be called Immanuel. Love you!!
Perhaps you can identify with Mary in a special way… you gave birth to a firstborn son and in a foreign city, away from family right? :~D
I’ve often pondered this verse in the context of your quote:
“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35 ESV)
Can you imagine having someone tell you your child will be an opposing sign to reveal men’s hearts, and will bring a sword to pierce your soul? Unimaginable!
Thanks for the linky love, sweets.
(((Hugs)))