December 25, 2009
Treasures of the Heart
The shepherds spread the word concerning what they had been told about the child and, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” We too treasure these things and ponder them in our hearts, “…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:1-29 ESV)
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Gail;
-----What did Mary have treasured up in her heart to ponder? I don’t know how devout Mary’s parents were. I don’t know how much of the Scripture she may have learned during her young life. But it is said that Joseph was a righteous man. Either from her parents or through Joseph she was familiar with Isaiah’s prophecy that the Savior would be born of a virgin, and Micah’s prophecy that He would be born in Bethlehem. Of course, she had that unusual visit from Gabriel telling her she would conceive and bear a child who would be called the son of the Most High, and that He would reign over the house of Jacob forever. And she had Elizabeth’s reaction to seeing her when her little John jumped for joy inside her womb. She called Mary the mother of her Lord. And Mary had the memory of her reply to Elizabeth expressing how blessed she was and the great things God was doing for her. So also, now, being full aware that she was a virgin who had just given birth to a child in Bethlehem, here comes these shepherds telling her what angels had revealed to them concerning her child. She had a lot to ponder.
-----Experiencing first hand an angel delivering a message would be a life shaping event. I can imagine how much a person would ponder it. But having all of this spiritual activity happening during the course of a year in one’s adolescent period would have a tremendous effect upon one’s personal identity and comprehension of life. Yet, Jesus stated that those who had not personally witnessed all these things and believed would be more blessed.
-----Once a year we bring forth all these witnesses - all that the prophets wrote, and the testimony of Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon, Anna, and others - not having heard from them first hand, yet celebrating in full belief the truth of mankind’s Savior and King having been born into the world. Once a year the testimony to Christ our King is placed into public sight. And as much as we revel in the gifts and celebrations of the Christmas season, the more important purpose at hand is the opportunity of it all to cause ponder in the minds of those who still have not believed. If they would only ponder sincerely and honestly about what witnesses are, however many years ago they witnessed, and all of the circumstantial evidence of history, archeology, and even human nature, the Christmas story would present an undeniable conclusion for a life changing experience of their own.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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