The beautiful Christmas story recorded in Luke 2 concludes with an intriguing statement about Mary. And it is an important lesson for all of us today – and not just on Christmas.
After the shepherds visit Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, here is what Luke writes about the aftermath:
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:17-19
In contrast to the outspoken enthusiasm of the shepherds and all the people the shepherds spoke with (presumably the residents living in and around Bethlehem), Mary is presented as taciturn and contemplative.
The lesson isn’t that it’s wrong to be outspoken (especially when you’re spreading news about Jesus), but it is a reminder there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). For Mary, after all the excitement and hubbub of that first Christmas Day (yes, it wasn’t called Christmas then, but you know what I mean)… it was a time for quiet reflection.
Luke says that Mary “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” The two key verbs in this verse are “kept” and “pondered.”
The Greek word behind the KJV’s “kept” in Luke 2:19 is συνετήρει (synetērei) which essentially means to treasure or to keep safe. What Luke is telling us is that Mary treasured and wanted to preserve in her heart all that happened on that glorious day of Christ’s birth.
Luke then says that she “pondered” on these things. The Greek word behind “pondered” is συμβάλλουσα (symballousa) which means “to throw together” or “to meet or join.” Picture a presidential Cabinet meeting. It’s a meeting of the minds — an assembling of various thoughts, perspectives, and ideas. When an individual engages in συμβάλλουσα, it means she is engaged in deep contemplation, consideration, analysis, and/or meditation.
For Mary, the work that God was doing in the world through her was worthy of συνετήρει and συμβάλλουσα. In other words, God’s work took center stage in her mind and heart.
What has center stage in your heart?
I realize that there’s only one person in the history of mankind who had the honor of bringing the Son of God into the world. And that was Mary. But…
God has plans for you as well. And God is working in, around, and through you all the time.
God’s purpose for you and His work in and through you should be front and center in your mind and your heart. And by keeping God and His work at the center of your thoughts, you will effectively guard your heart against the work of the Enemy and against unhealthy or unhelpful worries or temptations that threaten to overtake or weigh down your spirit.
It’s a great lesson for all of us to reflect on this Christmas — and to remember every day of our lives.
