She Pondered These Things

It wasn’t a dream. It had become her reality.

She was pregnant!

As intrigued readers and innocent bystanders we immediately begin drawing conclusions and suggesting options to aid in this young lady’s newly formed circumstances.

But this story is different. No coffee mugs with Bible verses. No one posting spiritual truths on their social media accounts to be liked, shared, or retweeted. No therapist or pastor there to listen as she heaps all her emotions onto the table of the unknown.

This is Mary. Her take on this Hallmark Christmas story was different. While the initial reaction was one fraught with fear, she managed to gather her thoughts and emotions to listen intently not just to the message she had received but to the voice of the One speaking.

And upon her son’s arrival, history tells us that she pondered all these things and treasured them in her heart. What does that even mean? What was she pondering?

Wait for God’s promise.

Mary was a Jewish teenage girl no doubt with some knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures that prophesied of the Messiah’s birth. Never in a million years would she have assumed a role of prominence in the unfolding story of the Christ child. But she didn’t deny God’s manifest presence through the visit of an angel with the greatest gender reveal party ever.

It’s a boy! She received a word of confidence when the angel said nothing would be impossible.

It’s easy to walk through life becoming frustrated or annoyed by others not keeping their promises. Feeling let down. Taking matters into our own hands. But when Jesus speaks, He acts. He’s faithful. Not one single promise has He failed to keep. Mary would certainly endure hardship and skepticism through her immaculate conception and ensuing pregnancy. But she had a greater vision of the promise to come; salvation. Our willingness to wait on the Lord will prove to be our greatest accolade and crowning achievement.

Welcome God’s presence.

When you reach a crossroads you have several options; move forward, veer to the left or right, or retreat. In Mary’s case, she chose not to veer off course nor to retreat; she chose to move in the direction of the presence of God. She said, “may it be to me according to your word.” Certainly it would cost her some comfort and convenience that maybe she had experienced before this night. She could have easily ran or hid out of fear or frustration but she chose to lean in and embrace the presence of God into her life.

The name of Jesus is quite polarizing. And to express affection for His name invites both ridicule and praise. When He calls, He asks us to abandon all self-reliance and false security found in public opinion. When He shows up, we can welcome Him with arms wide open or stare with arms crossed in disbelief. I choose to welcome His presence.

Walk with God’s people.

Mary was visited by angels. Shepherds. Wise men. Her cousin Elizabeth, who was once considered to be barren, was pregnant with a son who would later be named John. And in the midst of it all, Joseph, stood quietly by as an incredible man of righteousness leading his family with relentless character and faith. Mary surrounded herself with people convinced that this plan was setting the stage for the glory of God to be revealed. There are endless roads for us to journey through life trying to find our place where we believe we fit in. And oftentimes we’re just trying to find a lane and keep on running.

The problem is that careers, money, relationships, and possessions can distract us from finding our real purpose in life. So it’s helpful for us to have people in our lives who will help hold us accountable with our words and actions so we don’t veer off course. These are God’s people. And we would do well to be walking closely to those who are walking closely with Him. Mary not only pondered these things in her heart; she treasured them. She realized that the unfolding circumstances of her life, bearing the Son of God, had infinite worth. And so do you. This Immanuel, God with us, had come to save the world from their sins.

What is it that you’ve been pondering? What is your next move? Next decision? Next job? Next relationship? What have you been dreaming about? Are you treasuring the things that have eternal value? Are you willing to embrace every circumstance in your life that God is using to make Himself known? Let’s live our lives in such a way that it boasts of His glory and praise!