Pondering Joy

Luke Chapter 2 verse 19: 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

I’ll be honest, when Christmas is over, I’m relieved. That is because I fail to resist the commercial trappings of Christmas. Those trappings are a sharp contrast to the almost unthinkable birth of Jesus in quiet and humble Bethlehem.

And yet, despite my annual failure, Christmas draws me back. My return is grounded in Luke Chapter 2 verse 19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

I can’t imagine Mary’s reflection about her son’s birth. Clearly, she had lots to ponder. Watching him grow, I sense Mary had days of joy, wonder, and despair.

That’s not much different from pondering our lives today. Joy, wonder, and despair aren’t absent.

With despair, we ponder in our hearts will this weary world ever solve its challenges and find a enduring peace?

Our hearts wonder how Mary’s unyielding belief can counter our despair by nudging our hearts to become contributors to that lasting peace.

For treasuring the joys of life, I find it in sighting the brilliant red of the cardinal on a bleak December morning, the harmony of children’s voices on Christmas Eve, and unexpected acts of kindness that lighten burdened hearts throughout the year.

Who knows, maybe this is the Christmas, where Mary’s joyful heart leads me past my seasonal shortcomings.

Prayer: Father of us all, help our hearts to always treasure Mary’s joyful light. Amen

Bill Pike
Richmond, Virginia

Note from author: Friends, I’m honored to have this devotional published in the Society of St. Andrew’s annual Advent devotional book for today, Friday, December 12, 2025.