Ponder, it’s a good word. It’s one that lingers long in my thoughts, before it crosses the threshold of my lips.
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.
It does our hearts and minds good to ponder godly matters.
And pondering is a key ingredient for being prepared for Christmas.
If we want a Christmas prepared in a devotional way—one that does not 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 (Rm 12:2).
To renew our minds by the Word of God, as the verse says, helps us to discern the will of God. It fills our minds with Jesus. And helps us to have the mind of Christ.
Pondering Jesus leaves little room to ponder problems propagated by this pandemic. Or other lesser, earthly cares.
Prepare your minds by the Word this season.
Read the Story afresh.
Read the Story 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. The glory!
Ponder it . . . Him.
Think on these things and, like Mary, mull it over . . . and over . . . and over again.
It’s another way, along with worship and prayer, to prepare for Christmas.