To ponder is “to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply.” Following the birth of her Son, Mary pondered all that had transpired, and she created “the emotional and spiritual space” which allowed Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in her own heart. Imagine, the mother of Jesus making space in her heart for the light, love and life of Christ to dwell. She must have pondered the miracle of His birth, the visit of the shepherds, the songs of the angels and the peace that the presence of her Son brought to a troubled earth—even to her own heart. Pondering all that Christ means to us is a sacred experience that leads to a life of gratitude, peace and continued obedience.

Scripture

“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:9 (NIV)

Scripture for further Reflection: Consider the treasures that fill your heart and fuel your soul.

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:21

“Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of Heaven, to earth come down, Fix in us thy humble dwelling, All the faithful mercies crown. Jesus, Thou are all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art; Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter every longing heart.”

Charles Wesley

“In meditation…we are sinking down into the light and life of Christ and becoming comfortable in that posture…we create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart.”

Richard Foster

Prayer of Pondering

God, like the shepherds, we glorify and praise You for Your goodness! Like Mary, help us to ponder what the coming of Christ means to our individual hearts. Help us to sink down into the light, life and love of Jesus, and become at home in that space. Sometimes, we hurry off to get things done, when You are calling us to be still and consider the wonders of Your salvation, and faith that comes through a relationship with You. Forgive us for replacing You for other treasures and pleasures. Transform our hearts, as we strive through the power of Your Spirit, to make them Your humble dwelling. Amen.

Steps to Salvation:

The Bible states that God loves you and cares for you as a person (John 3:16). Humankind has been separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). God sent His Son as a provision for our salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (Romans 5:8). Doing good deeds is not enough (Ephesians 2:8-9), but receiving the free gift of salvation is (John 1:12)

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying something like the following:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I need Your forgiveness and grace. I believe that Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and He died in my place, and He rose from the dead. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sin and making me Your child. Help me to grow and learn how to serve You. Amen.