After worshiping Mary’s newborn baby on that strange and mysterious night, the shepherds “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 2:17b-19; NIV).
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / zatletic
Perhaps one of the most poignant snippets in Scripture, especially for mothers, is this one:
Mary treasured up all these things
and pondered them in her heart.
Not only did Mary treasure the mysterious splendor of the Nativity, but about twelve years later, she treasured another event deep within her heart. Her firstborn son, the child she had agreed to bear, had stayed in Jerusalem after the Festival of Lights while his family began their long journey home. He stayed because he had to be in his Father’s house (2:49).
The word translated “treasure” in verse 19 is syntēreō. It means:
- to preserve (a thing from perishing or being lost
- to keep within one’s self, keep in mind (a thing, lest it be forgotten)
The second instance, verse 51b, says: But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
The verb here is diatēreō. It means to keep continually or carefully.
I’m a mom. I have precious, treasured memories of my baby’s first smile, her first word, his first steps.
As mothers, we place deep within our hearts special times such as birthday parties, graduations, significant accomplishments.
Mary preserved — kept within herself so it would never be lost — odder events.
Angels? Shepherds?
Wow!
Mary kept within her heart — continually and carefully — her son’s unworldly maturity and His teachings.
During this Christmas season, we’ll create memories with our families and loved ones, precious treasures to be added to memories of other Christmases.
While in the midst of preparation and celebration, may we remove ourselves from the festivities long enough to ponder what Mary preserved — the wonder and mystique and history-changing birth of our Savior.
{Note: This post originally appeared on my previous blog on December 23, 2012.}
