At Christmas - A Time To Ponder

"Today's Devotion" For December 26, 2005

Read: Ephesians 1:1-14; Psalm 90

AT CHRISTMAS - A TIME TO PONDER

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

Today we begin the "aftermath" of the "Holiday Season," at least for Christians (Hanukkah is in the second of its eight days and Kwanza is still in full force). With the exception of a few late Christmas parties and family gatherings to take place over this week prior to the New Year, most of the hustle and bustle of preparation and expectation is over. It's been hectic for so many people. Tempers have been short, patience has been at a premium, and calm hasn't always prevailed. Many have eaten too much, drunk too much, and haven't gotten enough sleep. The emotional highs and lows of this "holy season" have been as intense as ever for many people.

I was reminded of the intensity of the "season" late last night. I was sitting at the computer, pondering what to share with you today, when I heard the outside door open. The next thing I know is that someone's trying to open the kitchen door. It was chained and locked. Then I heard fumbling for keys and I knew it was one of our children. Quickly, I jumped up, went to the door, removed the chain and unlocked it. There stood our younger son. He had gone out a couple of hours earlier to move a vehicle and then, because it was so peaceful and quiet, he decided to sit outside and "ponder" a few important things in his life. As a senior in high school, holding down a job, doing volunteer work, involved in extracurricular activities at school and church, and studying hard to achieve his academic goals, finding the time to "ponder" his plans for the future are few and far between. Perhaps, after all the hubbub leading into yesterday's Christmas celebration and family gatherings, it's not such a bad idea for us to do some "pondering" as well.

There's certainly good precedent for such post-Christmas "pondering." Luke tells us, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that Mary spent some time pondering herself. In fact, it seems that Mary, on the same night of Jesus' birth, after the visit by the shepherds, spent some time "pondering in heart" all that had transpired since the Angel Gabriel's announcement that she would be the mother of the Savior of the world. Talk about overwhelming! Historians tell us that it's quite probable that Mary was a young teen when she gave birth to Jesus. The events that were taking shape had to be most overwhelming for her and a challenge to her faith and "sanity." Yet, this blessed young virgin, God's chosen servant of His purpose and will, had the presence of mind and heart to take the time to "(treasure) up all these things and (ponder) them..."

When we really appreciate all that Christmas means in God's plan for our salvation, it's not too hard to get overwhelmed with the shear magnitude of His grace, mercy, and love. for sinners. The power and wonder of God's gift of Jesus as Christmas are important to carry with us every day of our lives. As St. Paul reminds us in his Letter to the Ephesians, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin, in accordance with the riches of God's grace..." (Eph. 1:7). How marvelous is God's love for us! How magnificent is His grace toward us! How wondrous is His mercy for sinners!

With such a wondrous gift from God - the coming of the promised Savior from Sin, Death, and Satan's power - we do well to take the time to "treasure" and "ponder" all these things in our hearts. We have the marvelous and quiet example of Mary herself to show us the way and remind us that God so very often speaks to us in "a still, small voice." As the old year winds down and the New Year is upon us, taking the time to ponder the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness of sins God gives us each day can only strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus and prepare us for whatever God's plans for each us are. At Christmas we truly have a marvelous time to ponder His gift of salvation to the whole world.

Prayer: Father, amidst the hustle and bustle of the "Christmas Season" it's not too difficult for me to forget to take time to ponder what You've done for me in Jesus. Even though Christmas is a "solemn feast" remembering the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it's really very easy for me to get caught up in other things related to the "season" - gift-giving, gift-getting, putting up decorations, preparing meals, going to "holiday parties - and completely ignore my relationship with You. Forgive me, gracious and merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus and renew my heart each day that I might continue to grow in Your grace and love and live a life of winsome and courageous witness to Your gift of salvation for the world in Jesus Christ. Guide me by Your Word and Spirit to take the time to "ponder all these things" in my heart and live them in my life. Hear my prayer, gracious Father for the sake of Jesus in whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.