“Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19)

The shepherds told Mary what the angel said: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). Mary did three things with the announcement of the angel and the miracles of the incarnation: she treasured the words in her mind, she felt the memories in her heart, and pondered the significance of the miracles in her deepest being, Memory, affection, and understanding were all engaged with the things she heard and experienced because of her newborn Son. Beloved, remember what you’ve heard of the Lord Jesus Christ and make your heart a treasure chest to preserve what God has personally done for you. Let your memory store every thought, feeling, experience and belief, and let your affections be lavished upon Him for evermore. 

 Love your Lord! Bring forth the alabaster box of your heart, even though it’s broken, and let all the precious ointment of your affection come streaming on His pierced feet. Let your intellect be exercised concerning the Lord Jesus. Meditate upon what you’ve read: don’t stay on the surface; dive deep into the depths. Don’t be like a swallow which barely touches the water with her wing, but be as a fish which swims the depths.

 Abide with your Lord: don’t treat him as a guest who stays for a night and moves on. Hold tight to Him, and don’t loosen your grip. The word "ponder, ' means to weigh, as in “determine the value”. But there’s no way to value something that’s priceless. If your understanding can’t comprehend His value, let your affections feel it; if you can’t grasp His majesty, embrace Him in your affections. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:5). “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). “Continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15).