Advent Daily Devotional - Day 12
Luke 2:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
The Christmas story is full of wonder and mystery, and in Luke 2:19, we see Mary’s remarkable response to the events surrounding her child’s birth. The shepherds had shared an astonishing story—angels announcing the Saviour’s arrival—leaving everyone who heard it amazed. But this amazement reflected confusion as much as awe.
Why would a Saviour be born in such humble circumstances? And why would lowly shepherds, considered unremarkable and unreliable, be chosen to proclaim such extraordinary news? The crowd marvelled at the message and the unlikely messengers, but their response was one of surprise, not necessarily faith.
Mary’s reaction, however, was different. Luke marks this distinction by using the word “but” to contrast her response with the crowd’s amazement. While others were astonished, Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
Mary’s astonishment came from a deeper place. She already knew her child was extraordinary—the angel Gabriel had told her He would be the Son of God, the Messiah. Yet, Gabriel didn’t mention the exhausting 70–90-mile journey she’d endure while heavily pregnant, or that her child would be born in an overcrowded town, in a space meant for animals, during a politically unstable time. These unexpected, humble circumstances raised new questions for Mary: How could such great promises unfold in this way?
Instead of reacting with frustration or dismissing what she didn’t understand, Mary embraced a posture of faith. She held onto these events in her heart, pondering their meaning. The word “ponder” suggests more than fleeting reflection—it implies wrestling with the mystery, connecting the dots, and seeking God’s purpose. Luke’s use of the imperfect tense (“she kept”) indicates this was an ongoing process, not a momentary thought.
Mary’s faith teaches us an important truth: faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means holding our questions before God and trusting Him to reveal His plans in His time. Her journey of faith didn’t end when she said, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38); it was just beginning. With every new piece of the puzzle, Mary sought to understand God’s hand in the unfolding story.
Like Mary, we may face moments that don’t align with what we expect from God’s promises—moments of difficulty, surprise, and humility. Faith invites us to treasure these experiences, to ponder them, and to trust that God is weaving His faithfulness into our lives, even when we don’t yet see the whole picture.
Questions
Are there areas of your life where God’s plans don’t seem to align with your expectations? How can you choose to treasure and ponder these moments in faith?
How might you create space in your daily life to reflect and seek God’s perspective on the things you don’t understand?
Today's devotional was written by Heather Pocock.