Core Scripture: “Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!” (Luke 2:19, MSG)

Message: As Mary held her sweet baby boy, she pondered thoughts in her heart.  I read those words this morning, and I began to wonder … What might those thoughts have been?  In the chill of that Bethlehem night, holding her newborn close to her chest to keep Him warm, what exactly did she ponder?

Let’s close in on this scene.  There they were.  Mary.  Joseph.  Baby Jesus.  They had just survived an exhausting journey to Bethlehem.  Mary, her belly about to burst, had more than likely been riding a donkey.  The Bible makes no mention of this, but it is what most believe. 

Upon arrival, they look for a place to stay.  NOTHING is available.  All the best inns are taken due to the mass arrival for the census, but one innkeeper has a heart.  He tells them his stable is available.  Joseph looks at Mary with question in his eyes, as if to say, “Honey, is that okay with you?  A stable?” 

Mary, deep into labor pains, screams out, “JUST GET ME THERE!”

He leads his 14-year-old wife out to the back stable.  They thrust the door open, surveying the scene.  Tons of fresh hey.  A few animals are startled from their sleep.  A small manger rests in the middle.  This is the place the animals eat.  As Mary lays in the hey, the overwhelming aroma of fresh manure nauseates her. 

I envision the birth was quick yet traumatic.  Exhausting yet fulfilling.  And as Mary wrapped her little baby in swaddling cloths to keep him warm, all fell silent.  She had time.  Time to ponder.  Time to think.  Time to pray.  Time to attempt to wrap her mind around the monumental event that had just happened.

The world would never be the same.

Jesus was placed in the manger.  The exhausted yet proud couple stared down at him.  No words were said, but  Mary’s thoughts—they danced.  This is what I imagine she might have been pondering …

I cannot comprehend, Lord.  It was just as You said.  There He is.  The One.  Your beloved son.  The One who will save us.  The One whose kingdom has no end.

But why, Lord?  Why me?  Of all the people in the world, You chose me to be this boy’s mother!  A 14-year-old girl, newly married?  Yet You call me worthy of this job.  Me!  I am so confused but grateful! 

He sleeps so soundly right now, but how will I take care of Him when He wakes up?  He is the One we have been waiting for.  Forever it seems!  Lord, there is so much pressure on me, but I know You are with me.  You must help me care for this child!

What will He do in His life?  If He is who You say He is, what will He accomplish?  How will I be a part of that story?  And Joseph as well?  You have a plan for this baby, and I cannot wait to discover it. 

I know there are some who will embrace Him, but what about those who do not?  There is sure to be some jealousy.  How will I protect Him from those people?  Give me wisdom, Lord.  Help us!  Help Joseph and I both decide what to do!

I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring, but I trust You, Lord.  I believe in Your power.  Guide us every day.  Help us live up to the monumental tasks set before us.  We cannot do it without You!

Video application: Watching the video of Jesus’ birth is always dramatic for me.  Although this is one director’s take on bringing the scene to life, I thought I would share it with you.

Song application: “Mary Did You Know” performed by Pentatonix

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God
Mary, did you know?

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Bible study: Read Luke 1-2 and journal or discuss the following questions …

1. What circumstances made the birth of Jesus dramatic?
2. How did the setting add meaning to the story?
3. What thoughts do you think Mary pondered as she looked over Jesus?
4. As word spread of Jesus’ birth, what impact was immediately seen?
5. How did different people react to Jesus’ birth?
6. How will YOU react to Jesus’ birth?
7. What does God want you to do with that story fresh in mind as we approach 2025?

Just for fun: We went to Christmas Eve service at our church last night.  During the children’s moment, I remembered the time when my boys were in preschool years ago, celebrating the same scene.  The question was asked how Jesus makes us clean, and my youngest son, full of innocence, yelled out, “IN THE BATHTUB!”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus today!  Help us to slow down to ponder thoughts as Mary did over 2000 years ago.  Amen.