Mary Pondered (Advent Devotion) - Friday, December 21
But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 NIV)
How exciting to read the scriptures around the coming of the Christ child! To sit and ponder all of the things that were being said and done.
For Mary, it must have been a time of great joy and terror. Angels talking about her conception. Elizabeth and John leaping for joy. Zechariah’s prophecy of the forerunner of the Christ child: ”You will give the knowledge of salvation in the forgiveness of their sin.” (Luke 1:77)
And Mary pondered.
Angels appearing to shepherds who are raising the sacrificial lambs. The word of Simeon must have rung out like a shot! What must Mary have been thinking when she hears the words, “This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul), so that thoughts from many hears will be revealed. My eyes have seen your salvation.” (Luke 2:34)
I was listening to a song the other day, I’m sure you have heard it: "Mary, Did You Know?" It’s a beautiful song that attempts to imagine the things Mary pondered.
In the words of songwriter, Mark Lowry:
Mary, did you know one day your son will walk on water? One day your son will save our sons and daughters? You delivered him and he will deliver you. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. Did you know your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb? The sleeping child your holding is the great I am.
Jesus entered into our story, the story of humanity. Completely hidden in our fallen and sinful humanity, he came. He tabernacled (dwelt) among us. He experienced every footstep of our fallenness. He journeyed to the cross, in obedience to the Father and his great love for us. Taking the sins of the world, he paid the price. He restored us to a relationship with the father through the forgiveness of our sins.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son. And with expectant joy, we await His second Advent. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.