Pondering What God Has Done

Mary’s Pondering in Her Heart

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
— Luke 2:13–14

Of the three responses to the angelic announcement from Luke 2:10-14, Mary’s is the most intriguing, certainly as Luke intended. The shepherds respond by going to see for themselves, telling everyone what God has done, and then rejoicing. At the shepherds’ report, the people are amazed. How could they not be?

Mary’s response to the shepherds is more inward, reflecting her wonder at her own angelic announcement (How can this be? Luke 1:34). She keeps these words, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). None of this is as it should be. Saviors, Messiahs, and Lords are not born so commonly—so mundanely—to such ordinary people. It is so mundane that it requires angelic affirmation at each step!

As Mary ponders, so should we. How much does God love us that he would send his Son in this manner, at this time, and for this purpose? There’s nothing wrong with the joy and amazement that is such a part of this season, but we miss the full weight of the moment if we do not pause, remember, and ponder what has been done. This year, let’s put it all together. May we be overwhelmed with wonder, amazement, and joy as we reflect and ponder what God has done and how he has done it. Our Savior, Christ the Lord, is born! Glory to God in the highest!