We stand on the brink of celebrating the most extraordinary moment in human history: the arrival of God in human form. Through Jesus, God entered our world to rescue us and bring life, hope, and peace. It’s a moment worthy of deep reflection and awe.  

Treasuring and Pondering

Today, let’s take inspiration from Mary, who treasured and pondered all that God was doing in her life.

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

Mary’s story is one of faith and trust. She was a young woman, a teen actually, who faced scrutiny, uncertainty, and extraordinary circumstances. At the same time, she carried within her the promise of God’s Word: that she would give birth to the Savior of the world. Her journey was filled with awe-inspiring moments—the angel’s message, her cousin Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy, the birth of Jesus, the shepherds ’visit, and the wise men’s gifts.

Mary didn’t fully understand all of the circumstances. She didn’t have all the answers, nor did she need to have them. That’s because she trusted God. She treasured His Word and the experiences of His grace, holding them close to her heart. She pondered them, reflecting on the depth of God’s love and His plans.

What Do You Ponder?

We naturally ponder what we treasure. Mary valued God’s promises and the incredible grace He had shown her. She reflected on these moments, allowing them to strengthen her trust in Him.

Sometimes, God’s work in our lives is clear and unmistakable. Other times, it is veiled and difficult to discern. In those moments, like Mary, we are called to treasure His Word and ponder His faithfulness. Reflection allows us to anchor our hearts in His unchanging promises, even when life feels uncertain.

The Greatest Gift to Reflect On

We have the opportunity this Christmas to ponder the greatest miracle of all: the incarnation. God became human to rescue us, to bring life and hope into a broken world. Mary’s story reminds us that pondering isn’t just an act of reflection; it’s also an act of worship.

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What aspect of the incarnation can you thank God for today?