"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)

When I think of the Christmas story, I am overcome with amazement as I consider the mother holding her newborn Son. As a mother, I can appreciate her love for her newborn, but the mixture of emotions she must have felt…who can discern? What did she know? How much did she really know? What was she thinking? How could she dare to think this tiny babe in her arms would actually save the world from their sins? Yes, she knew better than anyone that she was a virgin, witnessed the angel, heard his voice speak to her of things too hard to comprehend. But, how could anyone take it all in?

The modern classic, "Mary Did You Know" by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green helps us to peer into that tiny stable as "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Here was Jesus; "a tender brow prepared for thorns, a tiny heart whose love will save us" held in the arms of a woman whose heart was pierced with the awesomeness of the tiny life she brought forth . . . "the Way, the Truth, and the Life"!

Mary Did You Know
(Mark Lowry & Buddy Green)

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.

Luke tells us that Mary pondered all that happened in her heart. We don't know exactly 'what' she pondered in her heart, but we know that something was stirring deep inside her. She knew the babe in her arms was divinely and supernaturally conceived. She knew the angelic pronouncements were rightfully exalting God for the advent of the promised Messiah. She knew there was good reason to be still and hide what she knew in her heart yet deep within her spirit she was full of praise for the work of God she now held close to her, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Don't let this season find you too busy to be like Mary. Keep all these things and ponder them in your heart. It's all about reality—the reality of the mystery of Christ.

When I consider the Gift You gave through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Only Begotten Son, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with awe and praise for such a Great Gift. Lord, help me to focus on the Truth this season, not on the running to and fro, not on searching for the biggest gift, not on the parties, the decorations, the programs, etc. Father, teach me to be like Mary and keep my heart in quiet obedience as I ponder the unfathomable love Mary held in her arms whose very life became the Perfect Sacrifice by which our sins are atoned for and our hearts made pure. Lord, stir in our hearts and empower us to say, "be it unto me according to thy word!" Amen and Amen!

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

© Jan Ross
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