Reading the Word

Luke 2:15–20 (ESV) — 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Understanding and Applying the Word

We read that as the shepherds shared the good news that the angel had shared with them, all who heard it “wondered”. The idea here is that they were amazed or in awe, not that they were wondering what the shepherds were talking about. It is the same meaning we find in the phrase “the wonder of Christmas.” The things that the shepherds shared about Jesus were amazing!

As Mary heard the report of the shepherds, she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” She not only heard the amazing report, but she pondered it. She mulled it over and considered what it all meant. This is what we all must do with the report about Jesus. The Gospel writers and the New Testament authors have given us much news about Jesus. They have told us about many of the things he said and did. The reports are wonderful and we must take the time to ponder them ourselves. What does the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus mean for us? What does it mean for the whole world? Do not let this Christmas season pass by without thinking deeply about these things.

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