But Mary

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

What are the things that Mary pondered in her heart?

Can you imagine? What a whirlwind the past months had been for this precious young girl named Mary. The angel Gabriel, sent by God, had appeared to Mary, proclaiming, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" Mary was a virgin, betrothed to Joseph, of the house of David.

The Bible tells us that Mary was troubled when she was the angel, and that she "considered what manner of greeting this was." (Luke 1:29) But the angel told Mary not to be afraid, because she had found favor with God. Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive in her womb and "bring forth a Son and call His name JESUS." Gabriel told Mary the following about Jesus:

• He will be great,
• and will be called the Son of the Highest;
• and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
• And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
• And of His kingdom there will be no end.

Can you think for a moment what it would have been like for Mary at that moment? Can you imagine what it must have been like to be told by an angel that your son would reign over the house of Jacob forever? And that the Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David?

Gabriel told Mary, "For with God nothing will be impossible." Mary's response was both simple and profound, reflecting the quiet obedience of her heart, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Fastforward to the evening of the birth of our Lord Jesus. Joseph and Mary had traveled 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census. This journey would have taken about three days, and Mary was just about to give birth. "So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for the in the inn." (2:6-7)

I enjoy the Christmas episode of Peanuts because this passage of Scripture is read.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (2:8-12)

It was just like the angel had said. Mary had given birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger.

The shepherds had traveled to Bethlehem. They came and saw Mary, Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger. It was just as the angel had said.

These are some of the things that Mary pondered in her heart that night some 2,000 years ago, in a stable, in the town of Bethlehem. What sweet thoughts. Oh, how sweet Mary's rest must have been that night. What a blessed contrast -- the shepherds glorifying and praising God, and Mary pondering these things in her heart. Rest well, and ponder the things the Lord has done for you.

For so He gives His beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2