PONDER IN YOUR HEART CHRISTMAS

[JERRY C]

PONDER IN YOUR HEART CHRISTMAS

An old shepherd gruffly sends his hard-headed, young son into the fields to help tend sheep.  "No need for you to study ... just go to work ..."   Years apart from town and teaching,  he grew into the form of the rough crowd around him.  Then, unexpectedly, there it was!  The heavens were aglow with the angelic choir announcing the Birth.  With the other men tending the herds, he went to the stables, and he murmured, "... what is this that I behold?!   I am but a shepherd, standing between the sheep and danger or starvation...  I do not understand the wonderful sight?!"

In the East, far away, apart from "election" and without "revelation" or "covenant", a young heart looks to the heavens, wondering at the order and the expanse.  Futility and frustration are the results of much of his pondering.  Ancient texts from many places are examined.  But, one night, a new Star appears in the night's sky; and, he follows this light to its westward pointing, to the Light.  "... I've read, 'king of the Jews'?? ... What awaits us there?!"

On the face of Elizabeth was a twinge of pain as the baby within kicked her, hearing the greeting of His mother, Mary.  He knew what so many others would miss?!  Zechariah and Elizabeth would watch the child of their old age become a recluse and wanderer – angry and awe-filled, by the shame of man and the glory of Heaven.  His favorite word, it would seem, would become "Repent!"  Simple and sanctified was his life.  He prepared His way, and then stepped aside, pointing all to "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!"  Alone in prison, John questioned, "... are you the One...?"

The scribes and lawyers missed Him?!  Old Simeon and Anna were rewarded and found the desire of their hearts.  The slaughtered innocents never saw it coming.  Their death insured His escape.  (surely, they hold a special place among the martyrs?!)  Bethlehem knew not who it was that was forsaken to the stables of the Inn.   A long since forgotten Roman census overshadowed the Event of the ages.  "Father, have mercy ... we know not ..."

"... she pondered these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51) is the summary of the burden of Mary.  The angelic announcement ... a virgin, with child, heaven engendered ... miracle ... Messiah ... my firstborn, man child ... God-Man ... Lamb of God ...


Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)  ...  Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."  (Mark 9:24)