To Treasure and To Ponder

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Luke 2:19

The shepherds watched over their flocks that night.  Then the heavens lit up with the glory of God, and the shepherds quaked with fear.

And an angel announced, “Do not be afraid.  I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you; you will find him wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.”

After the heavenly vision ceased, the shepherds looked for the baby and found Jesus wrapped in cloth and in a manger as the angel said.  When Mary learned about the angel’s visitation and of all that he said, she treasured and pondered these things in her heart.

When God speaks to us, we too can ponder the words and impressions that we sense from the Holy Spirit and from the word of God.

A good soup takes time to make.  The cook must allow the ingredients to boil and simmer long enough for the flavor to permeate the soup.  Then we can taste its richness. 

When we ponder over something the Lord has spoken over us, our revelation of the Lord, his word, and His plan for our lives grows in depth and richness.

When Mary heard the shepherds tell her of the angel’s declaration that Jesus was Savior, Messiah and Lord, it must have bolstered her faith.  It also helped her to understand her role as the mother of this miraculous child.

Let’s treasure the times when our Lord reveals himself to us.  Let’s ponder over the words He speaks and then let’s let his word propel us to action.