Mary kept all these things, treasured the very thought of them, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 paraphrased)
So much had happened. Mary had been visited by the Angel Gabriel,
overcome with the news of what was happening to her, within her. She had visited her cousin, Elizabeth, where she had glorified the Lord God with her entire soul and had rejoiced in her spirit. Her song clarifies the words of the prophets – the mighty works of God. We read her song yet today, rejoicing and praising the Mighty One, thankful for the mercy of which she speaks – thankful to be grafted into Abraham’s descendants of whom she belongs.
Because Caesar Augustus had decreed a census, she had traveled with her espoused Joseph, to be registered in his hometown of Bethlehem. It was undoubtedly a long, arduous journey, carrying the unborn babe within her. Shortly after arriving, she birthed the baby in less than desirable conditions. Alone with Joseph. No midwife. No family. No personal care.
And after the birth, the shepherds, informed by the Lord and directed by the angels, rushed to the outdoor shelter and gazed upon the infant in the manger. Did they cry out in excitement? Or bow in humble adoration? Were they baffled by the awe of it all?
But “Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart”
We mothers remember. We take it all in. We treasure the moment. We ponder the past. We ponder the future. We hold it all in our hearts.
So in this advent season, may we all – mothers, fathers, sons, daughters – take the time to remember – to remember that night the angels came and sang, “Glory to God in the highest.” To treasure the moment we recognize the Savior. To ponder the past of His sacrifice. To ponder the future filled with grace and mercy. To hold it all in our hearts.
And in those things, we are like Mary.
