I’ve read the story of Jesus’ birth, found in Luke 2, countless times. But as I was reading it again a few weeks ago, the portion where the shepherds recounted what the angels had told them stuck with me. I read it and re-read it, trying to figure out exactly what it was about those few verses that kept seeming so significant to me.

And when [the shepherds] had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:17-19, NASB)

After thinking on these verses for several days, I finally realized what was nagging at me–three words: wondered, treasured, pondering. I checked other translations, and most used the same words.

I found it quite interesting that all who heard it wondered…

But Mary treasured…pondering.

Those few words speak volumes about how people respond to Jesus.

Let’s look at the definition of the root of each word:

wonder – to think or speculate curiously; to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe; marvel; to doubt

treasure – to retain carefully or keep in store, as in the mind; to regard or treat as precious; cherish

ponder – to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully

The shepherds were recounting how angels appeared to them, telling them the Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. And all who heard the shepherds’ story wondered, except Mary.

All of this has finally hit home with me over the last few days. One of my New Year’s decisions was to keep a journal this year of all the ways God speaks to me or works in my life. I’ve been scribbling notes like a crazy woman for several days.

You see, when I hear God speak or see Him work, I’m usually in awe, but just as quickly, turn to doubt. I’m prone to forget. I wonder. This year, I want to retain, cherish and consider what He says and how He moves. I want to treasure and ponder.

Over the last week, He has given me plenty to treasure and ponder. The two truths He’s revealing that I hold closest to my heart are these:

Jesus loves and accepts me…just as I am. And, y’all, I am a mess. I’m humbled at the ways He’s reminding me of His love and acceptance.

Jesus is trustworthy. Oh, the lengths He is going to in order to teach me that! They’re too precious to even share here, now. Maybe someday.

In the midst of these dark days and long nights, Jesus comes. He reveals Himself to me through friends and strangers in the most unexpected ways. I hope I respond like Mary did.

(definitions from Dictionary.com)