But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 ESV)
Ponder
Mary knew some things in a way that no one else knew them.
She knew that God knew her name. All Christians believe that God knows our name, but few of us are addressed by God’s messengers, angels, by name.
That name-knowing was enriched when Mary heard the angel declare that she was favored by God. That favor was not earned, but was a result of God’s grace. All Christians believe that God shows us grace. But few of us are told by God’s messengers, angels, that God favors us.
She knew that the Messiah had come. All Christians believe that the Christ Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, but Mary knew it beyond doubt. She knew how the baby had been conceived. She knew the words of the angel. And she heard the shepherds’ announcement.
With he result that Mary pondered. She thought about it. She contemplated it. She analyzed it. She considered it. She understood it. She applied the truth to her own life and soul. She wondered about it.
Perhaps because we are so used to the knowledge, we barely think about it. Perhaps because the story is so familiar, we barely wonder about it. Perhaps because we are so busy doing everything that needs doing, we barely consider it.
Slow down, like Mary, and ponder.
Because the Incarnation is amazing!