After a big event, my family would always rehash the day. We would talk about the people there, the fun times, the highlights, what we ate, and at Christmas, what presents we had received!
Mary, the mother of Jesus, did much the same thing, except on an inward, introspective level. Mary must have pondered the shepherds' visit, of course. She must have marveled at the angelic visit to them, and the visitations she and Joseph experienced. Her mind must have mulled over the significance of this Child she had just given birth to: the conversations, the highlights, the difficulties and what would happen from this moment on...
Not just the events, but the emotions Mary felt must have been swirling through her heart. A young girl, first-time mother, away from home and family, in an animal shelter with her new husband - her heart must have been full. That she "treasured" the events and the emotions is an indication of her deep and mature faith in her God. Most of us would have been overwhelmed, anxious, and ready to run from the insecurity and instability of the circumstances.
But Mary let God be in charge. She let peace reign in her heart.
She also had a son to raise, a son to hold and nurse and change and teach. She was a mother in practical and spiritual ways. Joseph was the earthly father to provide for and apprentice this little boy. To protect from the harshness of the world and the arrows of the evil one. He, too, had to trust God for the unknown.
Today, I am spending time in quiet, to ponder the things of Christmas and family and the future. Not to make any plans or significant changes. Just to enjoy Jesus.
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