DAY 19: A Heart Pondering
“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.” – Luke 2:15-20 ESV
Madonna and Child by Sassoferrato, 1640s
My Thoughts:
Another telling moment in Mary’s life is how she responds to the shepherds, when the shepherds— who have been told by the angel where to find the Christ child— arrive on the scene. The shepherds tell their tale to Mary and Joseph. And once again, I love the insight into Mary’s thoughts. As it says, “And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2: 17-19 ESV).
I think Mary knew at that point better than most what this child meant for the world. As the song Mary Did You Know says of Mary: “This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you…. And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.”
Music: Mary Did You Know? by Clay Aiken
Prayer (from the Book of Common Prayer):
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
*Banner image based on Madonna and Child Christmas Card
