Play to listen . . .
Background music attribution: The O’Neill Brothers Group, The Holly & The Ivy from Joyous Christmas Carols on Piano
Ponder, it’s a good word. It’s one that lingers long in my thoughts. It means to consider something deeply and thoroughly; to weigh carefully in the mind. A few of its synonyms are contemplate, meditate, deliberate, ruminate, evaluate, reflect, muse, mull.
The verb form in the Greek, symballousa, is used only once in the New Testament. Luke 2:19 reads: But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Pondering is a key ingredient for being prepared for Christmas. For pondering godly matters renews both heart and mind.
If we want a Christmas prepared in a way that doesn’t conform to the world’s pattern, then we must intentionally renew our minds.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—
his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).
Renewing our minds by the Word of God helps us to discern the will of God. And filling our minds with Jesus helps us to develop the mind of Christ.
Pondering Jesus leaves little room to ponder problems or other lesser, earthly cares.
Prepare your minds by the Word this season.
Read the Story anew.
Read it again . . . and again.
Read of the angel’s visitation, their grand announcement, their praise of God.
Read of Nazareth and Bethlehem.
Read of the grueling journey, the shepherds, the Magi.
Be renewed by the glory!
Ponder Him.
Think on these things and, like Mary, mull it over . . . and over . . . and over again.
It’s yet another way to prepare for Christmas.