and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary
Luke 2:8-20
treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” vss. 18-19
As Luke tells the story, when the shepherds arrived at the manger and shared their tale of shining glory and herald angels they caused quite a stir. Evidently the birth had attracted notice—which makes sense—there’s going to be some hustle and bustle when a child is born. Passersby hearing Mary’s laboring cries would have taken note and perhaps offered assistance. But whoever it was who had gathered at the manger, the shepherds amazed them all. And it’s unlikely anyone believed them—shepherds were not known for their integrity. So when they left it’s likely that everyone dismissed their story as an idle tale. But not Mary! She had inside information! For her the words of the shepherd fit perfectly with her experience of the Annunciation. Something big was happening with this child, and all she could do was wonder what was waiting down the road. That’s an interesting place to be, and it’s where a lot of us are right now. Christmas is here! Now what? Some are hoping that 2024 will be a better year—others are dreading what the future might hold. None of us can know for sure, and so with Mary we ponder—and hope against hope that it’s going to be amazing! We do know that we’re not alone! The baby has been born. Jesus has arrived. And in his presence, whatever happens, we’re going to be okay!
Thought for the Day: What am I pondering today?
0 Comments