Ponder

Scripture: Luke 2:19 – “…and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (NRSVUE)

Christmas Eve is one of the ultimate crosswinds days of the year. It is a day that is often tremendously busy, as families are either preparing for all the festivities of Christmas Day or engaging in Christmas Eve traditions. But it is also (supposed to be) a day of quiet reflection and anticipation of appreciation of the miracle of Christ coming into the world. How do we find the calm within the storm? How do we get everything done while retaining our serenity?

I think that Mary, the mother of Jesus, might be an example for us on days like this. After all, for her, Christmas Eve was a day of desperation, arriving in Bethlehem somewhat underprepared, forced to take shelter in a cave or a stable because there was no room in the guest house when she was in labor. And while we can imagine her stress, the text of the Gospel According to Luke is rather matter of fact about the matter.

When things get crazy, as they often do for Mary in the Christmas story, her default attitude is to ponder. When the angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds in the region of Bethlehem, they are terrified. When the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, she is perplexed and ponders what their greeting might mean. When others panic, Mary slows down and thinks things through.

Likewise, when the shepherds visit her in the stable and tell of the message of the angels, she is not terrified. She does not even lift ecstatic praises of thanksgiving to God. True to her character, she ponders what their words might mean. And she treasures them in her heart. Mary’s calm doesn’t mean things don’t matter to her. They matter deeply, but her faith and grace allow her to find the perspective that so many others lack.

So, as you are running around with your hair on fire, clenching your teeth as your family drives you crazy, or slump in a chair completely exhausted today, stop. Be like Mary. Take a moment to ponder what is going on and what it all means. Why do we do the things we do today? Why do we pray and celebrate the birth of Jesus? How are our lives transformed by our faith and by our deep love and care for others on this day?

And it is not just today. The practice of slowing down and pondering can be very healthy in whatever times we are frazzled, stressed, or overcome with care. Slow down, and you will see God’s guiding hands and find comfort, enfolded in God’s loving arms.

Merry Christmas and many blessings to you all!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to ponder your grace and love in this holiest of seasons. Amen.