Birth of Jesus
Mary kept and pondered these things in her heart 2:19
What did Mary keep and ponder in her heart? She was pondering what the shepherds told her. They told her a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, is born in the City of David. They will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:11-2-12) The shepherds confirmed to Mary and Joseph what was told to them by messengers of God (Luke 1:26-38, Matt 1:20)
Undoubtedly, Mary heard readings of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible-Old Testament) and remembered some of the promises of a coming Messiah. There are many scriptures that tell of a coming Messiah or Savior in the Old Testament. Here are a few Mary might be pondering pertaining to the scripture we are reading.
The Messiah would be the seed of a women and would crush the head of Satan – Genesis 3:15
- The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem – Micah 5:2
- He would be born of a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
- He would have an everlasting kingdom – Isaiah 9:6-7
Things got real as this virgin mother looked into the face of God’s only begotten son. God’s gift to the world was cuddled in her arms.
Why do we need a savior? Because something is wrong, very wrong with humanity and the world in which we live. Mary is a young lady of maybe 14 or 15 years old and I think she sensed that the world was not as God intended it to be. Before knowing Christ Jesus, I sensed the wrongness at a younger age than Mary was here. That wrongness that is in nations, in government, in others, and in us is sin. Sin is anything that is contrary to divine law (1 John 3-4). The scripture tells us that we all sin (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is death (eternal death – Matt 25:45) but through God’s gift Jesus Christ we have eternal life (Rom 6:23)
So here is Mary, staring Love and Truth in the face. My guess is she felt the faith and hope arise in her heart for herself and mankind as she thought upon Jesus Christ her son. I know once I believed, I was able to read and understand His Word. It’s like my eyes were opened and my heart became softer. I know I can trust His truth. My friend, if you do not know Jesus Christ, please consider asking Him to reveal himself to you, to come into your heart because you know you need a savior. Ask him to forgive your sin and experience the gift of salvation and true love. If you know Jesus Christ as your savior, please take some time and think about that one night in history so long ago and stand with me in awe at the precious gift the Father has given us. Reflect upon Jesus’ birth and the redemption of humanity. My favorite Christmas carol of all time is Oh Holy Night, please take a moment to read the lyrics. I could not say this any better.
Oh Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
My friends, ponder His Word and enjoy the journey!
