Treasuring and pondering

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. –Luke 2:19 (NIV)

The word “ponder” is defined as thinking deeply and soberly about something. I picture someone who is seriously considering an idea or a newly discovered piece of information to rightly understand and integrate it into their overall consciousness and view of the world. Mary had heard from the angel. She and Joseph had worked through their response to the news. She had made the trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem at nine months pregnant, then given birth to her firstborn in a stable. What did it all mean?

What, exactly, was this baby to become? The arrival of the shepherds, with their report of legions of angels in the fields and their worship of Baby Jesus, added pieces to the puzzle. As Mary began connecting the dots, a picture took shape. Her life would never be the same. Her acceptance of Gabriel’s announcement would prove prophetic: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). More evidence was introduced by Simeon and Anna a few days later at the temple. And Mary pondered….

My family did not celebrate Christmas together this year. My wife, my daughter, and I are in quarantine, isolated from family and friends after testing positive for the Corona virus on Christmas Eve. A suitably jacked-up ending to what has been a jacked-up year? Or something more? I’m pondering, trying to put some perspective around the events of 2020 and connect some dots for myself.

Did Mary understand that Jesus was THE Messiah promised through generations of the ancient prophets? Did she understand that Messiah had to be born in Bethlehem, or was the trip south just an ill-timed, very literal pain in the backside for her? If she understood and believed the “specialness” of this birth, was she shocked and disappointed that she and Joseph had no place to stay? Had they been denied lodging by relatives who were embarrassed by the “questionable” pregnancy? Certainly there was more going on than met the eye. So Mary pondered….

I ponder too. Maybe God will choose to make clear what He has been up to in 2020. Maybe not. In either case, the events of this year have emphasized how much we need a Savior. In either case, my role remains the same. Like Mary, I have made my choice – I am His servant. If there was never a question, there would never be opportunity to trust. The One I serve has a solid track record. He is strong. He is good. He is faithful. His love is steadfast. So I bring my questions. And I trust. And I follow. And I ponder.

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. –Psalm 111:2 (NIV)