By Jessica Fannin
During the Christmas season we often turn to the book of Luke to consider his account of the birth of Christ. In fact, our youngest son Luke is so named because of the time that I spent reading Luke’s Gospel prior to his birth.
Luke 2:16-18 talks about the shepherds coming to find a baby lying in a manger and declaring all they had heard from the angel of the Lord. Verse 19 records Mary’s reaction: “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
What were “all these things” that Mary took time to think about? And if she reacted in that way, should we not also ponder on Christ’s birth at this time of year?
I’m sure Mary had much to consider! Why was she chosen? Why now? What would Joseph say? Then the journey to Bethlehem, so far from her mother and sisters who would normally assist during the birth. Her initial relationship with Joseph could not have been easy, although he stood by her side despite the whispers and skeptical looks from neighbors in their little village. Now he was present during the first pangs of childbirth. And then there were the shepherds, rough men who may have looked unpleasant and certainly smelled worse (they were, after all, shepherds who spent much of their time living outdoors). How did they know where to find Mary and Joseph, and how did they know to worship this new babe (in a manger, of all things)?
Yes, I’m sure that this brand-new mama had much more things to ponder than most new moms do, and she set an example for all mothers in all of the hustle and bustle that Christmas brings.
We should take time to consider God’s glorious free gift of salvation, amazing and precious as it is.
We should ponder our blessings, seeing them even amidst the traffic, the full parking lots, the long lines at the cash registers, and endless to-do lists.
We should Look Up! Literally, look up. Psalm 19:1a says “The heavens declare the glory of God…” Have you seen the sunrise lately? Or wondered at a crystal-clear blue sky on a cold winter’s day?
We should also look around. Look at your family, your friends, your fellow church members; look at the faces of those around you and remind yourself that each one is a gift from God. (James 1:17)
Finally, write it all down! Put pen to paper, for yourself. At this time of year, make a gift list—not of gifts to buy, but a list of gifts that you already have received. We often don’t see our blessings unless we look for them.
As a side benefit, do you know that making a list of your blessings lowers blood pressure and decreases symptoms of anxiety and stress? That’s the kind of health benefits we all need around the holidays!
Perhaps that’s why Mary took time to ponder, so let us follow her example and ponder our innumerable blessings this Christmas season!