As Mary and Joseph journey from Nazareth to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, the days were complete for Mary to give birth. Christ, our Savior, was born and she wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In that same region, angels appeared to shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. They told them not to be afraid, for they had brought them GOOD NEWS! They made their way to the manger and told Mary and Joseph all that the angels had shared with them. All who heard it wondered at the things they said. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The phrase "treasured all these things" is seen more than once in this chapter. What does it actually mean "to ponder". Ponder means, to think about something carefully, especially before deciding or concluding. Therefore Mary thought very carefully about all the things which were spoken over her newborn baby boy. The words of good news and the plan God had for Him. She did not respond by shouting it all from the rooftops, but rather accepted them in a quiet manner and treasured what was told to her in her heart of hearts.
In our country especially, we are very blessed to have the Word of God in all fullness and readily available to us. We have heard many good sermons and teachings and can even turn on the television to certain channels and at any time of day hear encouraging teachings from the Word of God. But do WE treasure in our hearts all that we have heard? Or when God gives us a word of direction for our lives or answers our prayers for wisdom do we blab it all for any ole person to hear it? How we need to have the same attitude as Mary. To ponder carefully how each word we hear can be applied to our lives. And to highly esteem the Word of God and never take it for granted. It is our greatest treasure in this life!
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