Luke 2:15-20: a reflection

15When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

The shepherds, having seen the newborn Christ and heard the angels' announcement, hurry to spread the word, and all who hear are amazed. But amid the excitement, one response stands out for its quiet depth: Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. While others marveled and moved on, Mary treasured what had happened, holding it in her heart and turning it over, reflecting deeply on the wonder of what God was doing.

Notice Mary's response: not just wonder that passes, but treasuring and pondering. She did not simply react to the amazing things and then move on; she kept them, held them in her heart, and pondered them, turning them over in reflection. The wonder of what God was doing was not something to be marveled at for a moment and forgotten; it was something to be treasured, kept, and reflected on deeply. Mary held God's works in her heart, pondering them.

That practice, of treasuring and pondering God's works rather than letting them pass, is worth cultivating. We can encounter the works and wonders of God, and simply react for a moment, then move on, letting them slip away without deeper reflection. But Mary treasured what God had done, holding it in her heart, pondering it. When you encounter God's works, his kindnesses, his wonders, in Scripture or in your life, do not simply react and move on; treasure them, hold them in your heart, and ponder them, reflecting deeply on what God is doing. There is a depth in Mary's response that mere passing wonder lacks; the works of God are worth keeping and pondering, not just marveling at for a moment. Cultivate the practice of treasuring and pondering God's works in your heart, as Mary did, holding onto them and reflecting on them, rather than letting them pass without the deeper attention they deserve.

Lord, when the shepherds spread the word of the newborn Christ and all who heard were amazed, one response stood out for its quiet depth: Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. While others marveled and moved on, she treasured what had happened, holding it in her heart and reflecting deeply on the wonder of what you were doing. Let that practice be something I cultivate. I can encounter your works and wonders, and simply react for a moment, then move on, letting them slip away without deeper reflection. But Mary treasured what you had done, holding it in her heart, pondering it. When I encounter your works, your kindnesses, your wonders, in Scripture or in my life, keep me from simply reacting and moving on; help me treasure them, hold them in my heart, and ponder them, reflecting deeply on what you are doing. There is a depth in Mary's response that mere passing wonder lacks; your works are worth keeping and pondering, not just marveling at for a moment. Help me cultivate the practice of treasuring and pondering your works in my heart, Lord, as Mary did, rather than letting them pass without the deeper attention they deserve.