No Christmas season would be complete without the reading of the second chapter of Luke—the account of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, presiding over the birth of Jesus in a stable or cave, and receiving shepherd-guests.
Toward the end of the account, as those shepherds were spreading the word of Jesus’ birth, Luke wrote, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (v. 19).
Indeed. She had much to process:
- Her baby was the Messiah, the Promised One, who would save his people from their sin. I wonder if she studied him, looking for signs that he was different from other infants.
- This was the Prince of Peace cradled in her arms. Yet he had been born to a common village girl in very primitive conditions. Did that seem strange to her?
- The shepherds had learned of his birth when angels visited them, just as the angel, Gabriel, had visited Mary and then Joseph. Gabriel had also visited Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Four angel visitations in a matter of months. Never had that happened before.
I find myself pondering, too—pondering Mary herself–this dear, young girl who carried a tremendous burden for a long time.
Dear means beloved and valued. Mary is certainly that for numerous reasons.
- She embraced Gabriel’s announcement with great faith. “May it be to me as you have said,” (Luke 1:38). She put herself in the care of God in spite of incomprehensible circumstances.
- Her prayer, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), gives indication of a heart fully committed to God.
- She endured much: shame for her pregnancy, a long, uncomfortable journey to Bethlehem, and crude circumstances for the birth of her Son.
Mary was young—perhaps between thirteen and fifteen years of age. That was the typical age for a girl to be married in Bible times.
Yet, young as Mary was, Gabriel praised her for being “endued with grace” (v. 28, AMP). In addition, Mary demonstrated stamina, maturity, and gentleness beyond her years.
No doubt God graced her with these traits. But I have to believe Mary also had freedom of choice, as we all do, to embrace God’s way for her.
What I ponder most, however, is the fact Mary carried a tremendous burden, given to her by an elderly man, Simeon, eight days after Jesus was born.
You undoubtedly remember the story. Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple at Jerusalem to be circumcised.
There they met the righteous and devout Simeon who had been waiting decades for the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him he would not die until he had seen the Lord Christ.
Immediately upon seeing the Child, Simeon knew this was the One.
He praised God for keeping his promise, blessed Mary and Joseph, and then spoke particularly to Mary, saying Jesus would cause some to rise and some to fall, he would be spoken against, the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed, and a sword will pierce your own soul too (Luke 2:21-35).
Those last words must have caused Mary’s eyes to grow wide and her heart to skip a beat. Wasn’t the worst behind her? Surely Mary wanted to ask Simeon, “What do you mean?” Scripture gives us no indication that she did so.
For thirty-three years those last words of Simeon must have echoed in Mary’s mind again and again. How does a person live with such long-term foreboding? Perhaps her mind turned back to the night of Gabriel’s visitation.
Perhaps, for thirty-three years, Mary repeated what she had told the archangel: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (1:38).
Mary may very well have developed the calm assurance that even when God’s ways are baffling, we can rest assured he is orchestrating events to accomplish far more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20). She’d been witness to such orchestration in Bethlehem.
Mary knew that even our personal hardships can fulfill purposes that extend far beyond ourselves.
That’s a lesson for all of us to embrace with calm assurance.
(Revised and reblogged from December 15, 2014, while we enjoy a blessed week with family!)
Photo credit: http://www.stocksnap.io.
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So much to ponder, just as Mary did, during this season of Christmas when salvation became a child to live among us and with us. Beautiful reflection, Nancy! May these Holy Days be blessed for you and your family.
Amen, Martha–and praise God for his inexpressible Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15), including his ever-present presence. We have indeed experienced God’s blessings during Advent and these days of Christmas! I pray you have enjoyed the same.
Nancy,
It’s good to reflect back on things. When she doubted along the way going back to the beginning had to help. In Christ, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Thank you, Gary, for another good lesson: review God’s faithfulness in the past when difficulties arise in the present. / I pray you’re enjoying a restful Christmas break!
You too.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Let’s pray that we never stop pondering and that the story never ceases to amaze and astonish.
TT
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Amen Michele! I’ve heard the Christmas story since early childhood and the wonder of it all still thrills my heart–that God would go to such lengths to make salvation possible, that Jesus willingly came to earth to fulfill his difficult and painful mission, that Mary and Joseph endured such hardships as Christ made his entrance into our world, that God chose humble shepherds to hear the news first of Christ’s birth, and more. Praise God, our Christmas joy never needs to end (Isaiah 51:11)!
I love your ponderings on Mary! You have captured the situation and thoughts very well, Nancy.
Thank you, Dwight. I praise God for his promptings!
so much to ponder and learn from Mary. Well written and lots of wisdom. We all can learn so much from Mary, can’t we?
Thank you, Jean. We can indeed learn much from studying Mary’s character, the way she responded to events, and even from what she did not do, like doubt or complain. (At least scripture gives no indication of such responses.) She’s an example we’d do well to follow!
Thank you for sharing these reflections.
And thank you for stopping by, F.I.W. I pray these Days of Christmas bring you much joy!
The message Simeon gave to Mary regarding the future of Jesus had to be another weight for her to bare throughout her Son’s life, yet she depended on the grace of God and He alone gave her the strength to endure. Thanks Nancy for reminding us to do the same.
And thank you for stopping by, Kathy. Praise God his grace is ALWAYS sufficient for whatever we might be required to bear (2 Corinthians 12:9)!
Mary is a great example of faith trusting God to handle the what ifs and the possible opposition of saying yes to God. She could have been stoned to death becoming pregnant not yet married and not by Joseph. Then to hear those words “a sword will pierce your own soul too” to indicate suffering.
Mary endured much–and from a very young age. As I commented back to Kathy above, “Praise God his grace is ALWAYS sufficient for whatever we might be required to bear (2 Corinthians 12:9)! Mary and so many other Bible heroes/heroines offer proof, as well as countless men and women of faith down through the ages.
Thank you for prompting deeper thought about Mary, Nancy. There’s really so little written about her in the Bible, it’s interesting to try and fill in the blanks. I thoroughly enjoyed your reflections about Mary. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. Mary is well worth contemplating, isn’t she? Faith-filled, wise, and mature beyond her years. God prepared her well for the role he chose for her!
Dear Nancy,
So glad you revised and reblogged this entry. Such food for thought, as always. Wishing you and your family a very Happy, Blessed New Year.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Diane! Our family is enjoying our time together–as always! May these Days of Christmas be full of blessings for you and your extended family!
Mary’s sensitivity to the Spirit, her commitment to believe God for what He would and could do, even in the midst of bearing the shame of what everyone perceived as an adulterous relationship never backed down from what she’d told Gabriel. Her faith and faithfulness amaze me–especially in one so young. We think we’re so mature today, yet with all our technology and doodads, screen time, 24/7 news, we seem less mature and more doubtful than ever before. I love the fact that she knew her Lord, didn’t doubt Gabriel’s visit was prompted by God, and was willing to be His servant in this manner. She respected His divine assignment. There are times when I wish I was more respectful of what God has called me to. Thanks, Nancy.
Thank you for including your meditative thoughts, Dayle. Indeed, all of us who know God desire to respect him more by our eager obedience. May 2025 find us growing toward that end!
I think of the agony she suffered as she watched him die on the cross – so helpless to do anything to ease his suffering. Did she understand at that moment God’s plan, or was she questioning what the angel had said to her 30+ years ago – wondering how this death could have happened.
Good question, Barb. Perhaps her wisdom, maturity, and habit of introspection (indicated by her pondering of things, even at a young age), led her to understand more than even Christ’s disciples did. One day we’ll be able to ask her about all the details we’re curious to know–details that scripture doesn’t include!
It is obvious that Mary’s parents raised an amazing and mature young woman who put her faith and trust in what Gabriel shared with her. She must have had so many questions but she put them aside to be used to fulfill her destiny and those of the baby Jesus, even knowing that pain would pierce her heart years ahead.
I too think it’s likely Mary grew up in a home where she learned much about God, his ways, and his word, as well as absorbed and embraced what she learned. No doubt Mary’s faith sustained her through MUCH, throughout her life.
Luke 2 -A must read every December. Every year…a different feel.
So true, RH. Often a new insight will surface, no matter how many Christmas seasons we’ve read/heard the story! I love that about God’s Word–it’s always fresh.
May we be faithful ponderers and praisers as we head into this fresh new year. He has given us so many treasures, but most of all His precious Son, our Savior. Nancy, I am beyond grateful …
Well said Linda! God has indeed lavished us with many treasures, including His Son. With you I am beyond grateful!