Read Luke 2:15-20
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.
Meditate
I like the word “ponder.” It means that you think very deeply about something before you make a decision. It has a very old-fashioned feel to it.
Mary had a “pondering” moment. If everything leading up to the birth of Jesus had not been enough, now a bunch of shepherds shows up. They have a story to tell, of angelic tidings and heavenly choirs.
If this were happening to most of us, we would be taking selfies with them, posting the pictures to Instagram and SnapChat and updating our Facebook stories. We would want to share the moment and get our 15 minutes of fame.
But Mary gathers all these moments into her heart and thinks deeply about them. There will be a time for decisions, but today is not the day.
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard someone say, “This is what God has told me to do” as they grandly announce some big plan. Then a couple of weeks later, you hear them share a different plan God has told them. Then, sometime later, the next grand plan.
What if we took the time to “ponder” these words, these moments with God? What if we thought deeply about what God is saying before making our decision. There is some wisdom to pondering.
Hide the words of God in your heart. Think deeply about them. The time for action will come.
Pray
“Father, teach me to hide your words in my heart so I may think deeply about them. Teach me the patience to ponder and reflect so that my decisions will be made in your time.”
Contemplate
- Take some quiet time today to ponder on God’s goodness to you. What promises has God given you? Give God thanks for his goodness.
- Start a journal. Write down daily what God is doing in your life. Use it as a “pondering” tool to hide things God is saying into your heart.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
