But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19
This verse fills me with deep adoration. It speaks to me.
Considering the magnitude of what happened in the young life of Mary recorded in the gospel of Luke, she certainly had much to ponder.
A visit from an archangel tells her she will become pregnant while pure, with a promise and sacred trust to carry and rear God’s Son.
Her blessed response, “I am the handmaiden of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” The Bible tells us she then went with haste to visit her older cousin Elizabeth, who had become pregnant while barren, with the forerunner to the promised Messiah baby.
I can see why she had a lot to think about. Miracles.
The word pondering means to confer with one self. Meditate.
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. (1:45)
She pondered and treasured and stored in her heart. She preserved the precious and sought the deeper part of her experience.
As the year shuts, I need to ponder on the Mighty One who has done great things for me. How about you? May we take time together and pause in the divinity of the God of wonder.
I will be taking a sabbatical break from posting for the next few weeks, but first extend grateful wishes to you for a blessed holy day. Thank you for the faithful visits, kind comments, and emails. I appreciate every one.
I hope you will find a pondering place and allow the amazing goodness of God to steep within your heart during this blessed time. . . .
Verna
Laura says
Beautifully written, Verna. May we all ponder the miracle of Christmas this season and always! Thank you for this lovely reminder to reflect on His goodness-the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!
vernabowman says
He has done great things for us as we ponder His goodness. Thank you, Laura.
Betsy says
May God bless you on this Christmas.
I love you, Betsy
vernabowman says
. . . and you and your family, Betsy. I miss you.
kenswifecarolyn says
Wise writer. Time to ponder, refresh, and rejoice. One of my favorite verses as well. It speaks to the momma in me. Merry Christmas, sweet Verna!
vernabowman says
Refresh and rejoice . . . love it. A mama’s heart, we know . . .
Dottie says
exceptionally nice this time.I’ll miss reading your blog for several weeks but I know you are so busy. just do what u need to do and love doing it.
vernabowman says
. . . thank you, Dottie . . . ever faithful. Love you and appreciate your encouragement always.
Tammie Buckwalter says
I have had an amazing year with much to ponder and treasure up, but it is nothing in comparison to the gift He gave us so long ago. Thanks for the beautiful reminder to ponder that during this advent season. Have a blessed Christmas and a refreshing well deserved rest!
verna says
You certainly have . . . and now you can rest in it all (!) Thank you so much, Tammie for sending the photos – we loved them! Beautiful family all together for this Christmas, be blessed!
Glenda Mills says
Verna,
I’ve been doing a lot of pondering too…grateful for the precious gift of Savior!
Enjoy your sabbatical break and pray for more pondering and writing time! Hugs,
Glenda
verna says
I know . . . sometimes a girl just has to purpose to do the right thing! Thanks for praying and coming alongside! Love you.
Marlene Bagnull says
Yes, we must make time for pondering! Thanks for the important reminder.
verna says
Yes, the lost art of pondering . . . may you find time this season, also Marlene . . .