“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:16-19)

St. Luke tells us that “Mary treasured up all she was seeing and experiencing and pondered them in her heart.” The Greek word here suggests more than just thinking. It’s gathering pieces, connecting dots, weighing their meaning, and holding them together in her heart. She hears the word; she receives it. She stores it up, and she quietly reflects on the grace and promise wrapped in her arms.

This moment is not sentimental. It’s sacramental. Mary’s pondering is not passive; rather, it’s active. It’s worship. It’s faithful attentiveness to what God is doing in and through Jesus. And this pondering leads us, too, to worship. It’s this active scene, and hearts filling with goodness, and the grace of God being behind every good deed.

From all of us at Lutheran Church Charities, Merry Christmas! May the joy of Christ fill your home, your heart, and your here. Behind every good deed today—from the meals served to the hands held, to the hope we share—may we remember the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ! Born to save. Sent to love and still at work through you.

Merry Christmas!

Prayer
Christ Jesus, on this blessed Christmas Eve, we ponder and worship You as we ponder all that You are, all that You have done, and all that You have given to sinners. You are our Savior. You came low so we might be lifted up. You came poor so that we might be made rich in mercy. You came for us, and we thank You. Fill our hearts with joy and peace this Christmas. In Your name. Amen.

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