Luke 2:1-20
Each time we read a familiar passage from Scripture, we can see
and hear it in new ways. Different words or phrases cause us to stop and think
about the text differently. As we heard the story about Jesus’ birth tonight,
which verses stand out for you? As I’ve prepared to preach, I’ve been thinking
about this verse: “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her
heart.”
I imagine that Mary – like most mothers – remembered many of the
moments of her pregnancy, living them over and over again, sharing them with
Joseph, and with the trusted women in her life. Nine months gives us all plenty
of time to treasure and ponder God’s ways in our lives.
She treasured the coming of the angel, to announce her pregnancy
with a special child, the Son of God, sent to be the Savior of the world, and
pondered what it would mean as the child grew up.
She treasured telling Joseph about the pregnancy, and how hard it
was for him to believe her at first. She treasured Joseph’s story about the
angel who told him the baby was God’s plan. And together they pondered how to
raise a child to be the Son of God.
She treasured her memory of visiting Elizabeth, who also was
pregnant in a miraculous way, with a child God sent for God’s purposes. She and
Elizabeth pondered together why God had chosen them instead of some other women,
and sang together Mary’s song: My soul magnifies the Lord.
She often pondered the questioning looks and remarks she got from
her neighbors when she and Joseph married so quickly. And she pondered what
would come of her child, born into such a judgmental world.
She treasured the first time she felt Baby Jesus move in her belly,
and treasured the changes to her body as Jesus grew and grew inside her.
She pondered the decision to travel with Joseph, even though she
could have stayed in Nazareth with her mother. Each mile they traveled made her
question their decision more and more. But, perhaps they decided together that
the child needed to be born in Bethlehem, and the only thing to ponder was why
they waited so long to go there.
She quickly forgot the pain of childbirth as she cuddled her new
baby. As she held her child, the child promised by God, she pondered what he
would be like as he grew. She remembered the song she sang as she praised God
for the new world to come, and sang it again for her new baby. My soul
magnifies the Lord.
After the shepherds came and told their own story of angels, Mary treasured
the joy it brought to them to hold the new baby, and pondered with renewed hope
and faith just what would become of her child.
When the Magi came and paid homage to her child, she treasured
their gifts, and pondered how they would use them in years to come.
What are you treasuring and pondering tonight? Are you pondering
the worries that beset all of us? Are you pondering how to pay for your
Christmas gifts? Are you pondering how long your good health will last? Are you
pondering what will become with your children and grandchildren? What else are
you pondering?
Are you pondering and treasuring how much God loves you – yes, even
you? Are you treasuring and pondering the hope that Jesus came to earth to give
human voice to God’s heart? Are you pondering and treasuring that you – yes, even
you – are worth dying for?
In the midst of your worrying and pondering, remember also to
treasure and ponder the miracle of the birth of God’s Son.
Imagine holding him the way Mary did, cuddling him, loving him, pondering
what his coming means for you.
Ponder trusting him to love you as much as he loves Mary and
Joseph.
Treasure that love as you go through each and every day.
Please pray with me: We praise you, O God, and give you thanks for
the gift of Jesus, your Son. Help us to treasure all that you give to us,
especially your love, and share your love in ways that helps others ponder your
gifts as well. Amen
