Tucked away in the Christmas story, we’re given a lesson on how to receive news. Following the birth of Jesus, the shepherds are quick to spread the word. Mary, on the other hand, takes a different approach. 

The gospel writer Luke says in chapter 2, verse 19 that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” At this point, Mary has just had her baby, she likely doesn’t have much energy left, but there’s also something to be said about her role. While the Shepherds came from afar to observe this first Christmas, Mary is the mother of Jesus, the saviour of the world came through her, and this is all unfolding before her eyes. 

You see, for major life situations, your reaction should be warranted more in how it impacts you and less in your common tendencies. Like Mary, God may reveal to you magnificent plans, you might bear witness to the outpouring of His spirit like you’ve never seen. These kinds of experiences can be overwhelming, but just because it’s intimate, doesn’t mean you have to imitate. 

To treasure is to delight in, to ponder is to reflect on - when you experience God like this, don’t obsess, and don’t forget, be like Mary.