As I read Luke 2 this year, the specific wording of verses 17-19 jumped out at me:
17 When they [referring to the shepherds] had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
As a mom of an 8 month old, I can relate to Mary. My 3rd born is a precious infant, and knowing she is most likely my last I find myself savoring every milestone and memory. I "treasure" and "ponder" often.
But what strikes me in these verses is not only what Mary did, but that it was in contrast to what the shepherds did: "But Mary..." What makes these two interactions to Jesus' arrival so different?
Relationship-perhaps the most obvious difference is that Mary was his mother, and the shepherds were strangers. What an odd pairing at a birthing scene. How many times are total strangers the first to visit a mom and baby in the hospital? Grandparents often, perhaps aunts and uncles, but never strangers. Do you feel closely connected to Jesus or do you feel like a stranger? Whatever your role, his birth was meant for you.
Notice-while she didn't know all the details, Mary knew this night was coming, and we'll never know the range of emotions she had leading up to it. In contrast, the shepherds were "living out in the fields nearby keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Luke 2:8) when they learned the Messiah had been born. God IS going to show up in your life!! Sometimes you may have some warning of the big things He has in store and sometimes you may not. I pray either way that you are ready.
Reaction-the shepherds shouted from the roof tops (so to speak) while Mary was introspective. The scripture gives us no indication that one response is better than the other...only that they are different. Sometimes an encounter with God is so powerful we can't be quiet! Jeremiah 20:9 says, "...his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." Other experiences, often born out of deep pain, produce quiet intimacy...so Mary pondered.
The true beauty of this scene is not so much how they differed, but what they had in common. They were both obedient, trusting, and full of faith. They demonstrated
WORSHIP
Why does this matter to us this Christmas Day? Each of us have our own set of circumstances that lead up to an encounter of the Christ Child. We may have Christianity in our lineage, we may not...we may know where to find God, we may not...and lastly our meeting with Messiah may excite us or humble us. Every encounter, however, is meant to produce honor and glory only reserved for the Almighty!
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
For You alone are worthy
For You alone are worthy
For You alone are worthy
Christ the Lord
We'll give You all the glory
We'll give You all the glory
We'll give You all the glory
Christ the Lord
