The Mystery in the Manger

Grace to you from the holy Trinity, one God—Love from the beginning, Word made flesh, Breath of heaven. Amen.

And here Luke tells us that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:19).

At a glance, it seems as though Mary must have gotten it all wrong. I mean, isn’t Christmas a time for celebration? For rejoicing?

And here Luke tells us that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:19).

But here Luke tells us that in the midst of a bust, chaotic Christmas, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:19).

But here Luke tells us that in the midst of a busy, chaotic Christmas, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:19).

The contrast is striking. While every year the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier and the hype gets more and more intense, the first Christmas—at least from Mary’s perspective—was not like that at all. If anything, it seems to be quite calm and quiet in comparison to today’s busy-ness.

The contrast is striking. While every year the Christmas retail season starts earlier and earlier and the hype gets more and more intense, the first Christmas was not an intense affair at all. If anything, it seems to be quite calm and quiet in comparison to today’s busy-ness.

The contrast is striking. While every year the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier and the hype gets more and more intense, the first Christmas—at least from Mary’s perspective—was not like that at all. If anything, it seems to be quite calm and quiet in comparison to today’s busy-ness.

You know this busy-ness: there are presents to buy, parties to attend, cards to send, cookies to bake, carols to sing, lights to string, Christmas specials on TV to watch. I hope that we don’t despise or grow cynical about it all. Rather, we ought to join in!

You know this busy-ness: there are presents to buy, parties to attend, cards to send, cookies to bake, carols to sing, lights to string, Christmas specials on TV to watch. We don’t despise or grow cynical about it all; rather, we join in!

We all know this busy-ness: there are presents to buy, parties to attend, cards to send, cookies to bake, carols to sing, lights to string, Christmas specials on TV to watch. I hope that we don’t despise or grow cynical about it all. Rather, we ought to join in!

But tonight, for just a few moments, let’s set aside all the busy-ness of our hectic lives and this hectic season and attend to God’s business. Let’s follow Mary’s example of treasuring and pondering all these things.

What exactly did she “ponder”? Not those things we have come to expect in this season: gifts and bright lights, the sound of carols and the glistening decorations that casts a mystic, nostalgic glow—all these trappings lay far in the future.

What exactly did she “ponder” in her heart? Not those things we have come to expect in this season: gifts and bright lights, the sound of carols and the glistening of new-fallen snow that casts a mystic glow over hearth and family—all these trappings lay far in the future.

But tonight, for just a few moments, let’s set aside all the busy-ness of our hectic lives and this hectic season and attend to God’s business. Let’s follow Mary’s example of treasuring and pondering all these things.

What exactly did she “ponder” in her heart? Not those things many people have come to expect in this season: an extravagance of gifts and bright lights, the sound of carols and the glistening of new-fallen snow that casts a mystic glow over hearth and family—all these trappings lay far in the future.

Did she ponder the journey to Bethlehem? The crowds and the confusion—being pushed and jostled about? Did she ponder being counted by the Roman authorities? Did she ponder that feeling of being shut out and homeless?

What exactly did she “ponder”? Not those things we have come to expect in this season: gifts and bright lights, the sound of carols and the glistening decorations that casts a mystic, nostalgic glow—all these things lay far in the future.

Did she ponder the journey to Bethlehem. The crowds and the confusion—being pushed and jostled about? Did she ponder that feeling of being shut out and homeless?

Did she ponder the journey to Bethlehem. The crowds and the confusion—being pushed and jostled about?

Did she ponder the journey to Bethlehem? Or the crowds and the confusion—being pushed and jostled about? Did she ponder being counted by the Roman authorities? Did she ponder that feeling of being shut out and homeless?

Did she ponder the birth itself… a cattle stall, no less? Did she ponder and treasure the smells, the animals, the manure; the sweetness of the hay; the smell odor of Jesus’ newborn body as she snuggled tight hat night.

Did she ponder the birth itself, the pain and relief… all in a cattle stall, no less? Did she ponder and treasure the smells, the animals, the manure; the sweetness of the hay; the scent of Jesus’ newborn body as she snuggled tight that night.

Did she ponder the birth itself, the pain and relief… all in a cattle stall, no less? Did she ponder and treasure the smells, the animals, the manure; the sweetness of the hay; the scent of Jesus’ newborn body as she snuggled Him tight that night?

Did she ponder those funny little men, the shepherds? Did she ponder how they crowded into the smelly, dirty birthing room, pushing the cattle aside to glimpse at her little boy? Did she ponder how she heard them hooting and yelping and running throughout the town like drunks? Did she ponder the laugh she and Joseph shared as they held one another, the baby safe between them.

Did she ponder the birth itself, the pain and relief… all in a cattle stall, no less? Did she ponder and treasure the smells, the animals, the manure; the sweetness of the hay; the scent of Jesus’ newborn body as she snuggled Him tight that night?

Did she ponder those funny little men, the shepherds the ones her mother had probably warned her to avoid? Did she ponder how they crowded into the smelly, dirty birthing room, pushing the cattle aside to glimpse at her little boy? Did she ponder how she heard them hooting and yelping and running throughout the town like drunks?

Did she ponder those funny, little men, the shepherds? Did she ponder how they crowded into the smelly, dirty birthing room, pushing the cattle aside to glimpse at her little boy? Did she ponder how she heard them hooting and yelping and running throughout the town like drunks?

Did she ponder those funny, little men, the shepherds? Or how they crowded into the smelly, dirty birthing room, pushing the cattle aside to glimpse at her little boy? Did she ponder how they went out, hooting and yelping and running throughout the town like drunks?

Did she ponder the laugh she and Joseph shared as they held one another, the baby safe between them?

Did she ponder the laugh she and Joseph shared as they held one another, the baby safe between them.

Or, did she pondered in her heart was that which that had been spoken by the angel of the Lord to the rugged shepherds concerning her baby boy, “Christ the Lord”?

She looked down at the tiny baby wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes in his manger bed. Could it really be that the Lord, the God of hosts, who feeds all creation, who opens up his hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing, could come to be so small that he would take flesh within her virgin womb, be born as a helpless infant boy, and be suckled at her breast?

Or, did she pondered in her heart was that which that had been spoken by the angel of the Lord to the rugged shepherds concerning her baby boy?

Did she ponder the laugh she and Joseph shared as they held one another, the baby safe between them?

Or, did she ponder in her heart was what the angel of the Lord said concerning her baby boy?

Or, did she ponder in her heart what the angel of the Lord said concerning her baby boy?

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (2:11).

“Good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (), the angel had announced to the shepherds. This was no pipe dream or human speculation; these words were from the very mouth of God. Her firstborn Son was none other than the Messiah, the promised Redeemer, and God in human flesh and bone. So, Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (2:11).

She looked down at the tiny baby wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes in his manger bed. Could it really be that the Lord, the God of hosts, who feeds all creation, who opens up his hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing, could come to be so small that he would take flesh within her womb, be born as a infant boy, and be nursed at her breast?

She looked down at the tiny baby wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes in his manger bed. Could it really be that the Lord, the God of hosts, who feeds all creation, who opens up his hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing, could come to be so small that he would take flesh within her virgin womb, be born as a helpless infant boy, and be nursed at her breast?

There’s a lot of busy-ness this holy night, but you and I can do no less on this—ponder the good news of great joy that was proclaimed a long time ago to shepherds on Bethlehem’s plain:

She looked down at the tiny baby wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes in his manger bed. Could it really be that the Lord, the God of hosts, who feeds all creation, who opens up his hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing, could come to be so small that he would take flesh within her womb, be born as a infant boy, and be nursed at her breast?

“Today… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (2:11).

“Good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (), the angels had announced to the shepherds. This was no pipe dream or human speculation; these words were from the very mouth of God. Her firstborn Son was none other than the Messiah, the promised Redeemer, and God in human flesh and bone. So, Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

For when all is said and done, there is nothing to say or do that could add the smallest luster to this day. The most overpowering music or overwhelming light display could never hold a candle to the simple wonder of a heart captivated by our gracious God, who loved the world so that he gave his only begotten Son. When we could not go to him, he has come to us wrapped in swaddling clothes.

There’s a lot to do this evening, but you and I can do no less on this—ponder the good news of great joy that was proclaimed a long time ago to shepherds on Bethlehem’s plain:

“Good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (), the angels had announced to the shepherds. This was no pipe dream or human speculation; these words were from the very mouth of God. Her firstborn Son was none other than the Messiah, the promised Redeemer, and God in human flesh and bone. Is this what Mary treasured, pondering in her heart?

There’s a lot of busy-ness this holy night, but you and I can do no less on this—ponder the good news of great joy that was proclaimed a long time ago to shepherds on Bethlehem’s plain:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (2:14)

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” (2:11).

There’s a lot to do this evening, but you and I can do no less on this—ponder the good news of great joy that was proclaimed a long time ago to shepherds on Bethlehem’s plain:

There’s another aspect of Mary’s pondering. The Greek word translated “pondered” can also have a stronger and more contentious meaning, “to wrestle with.” Mary takes in, treasures, but also wrestles deeply with the meaning of the experiences she has and the words she hears when Jesus is born—this miracle of God’s presence.

For when all is said and done, there is nothing to say or do that could add the smallest luster to this day. The most overpowering music or overwhelming light display could never hold a candle to the simple wonder of a heart captivated by our gracious God, who loved the world so that he gave his only begotten Son. When we could not go to him, he has come to us wrapped in swaddling clothes.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” (2:11)

For when all is said and done, there is nothing to say or do that could add the smallest luster to this day. The most overpowering music or overwhelming light display could never hold a candle to the simple wonder of a heart captivated by our gracious God, who loved the world so that he gave his only begotten Son. When we could not go to him, he has come to us wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Tonight, we sing the line “let every heart prepare him room” and “Joy to the world,” but I imagine that while some of us relish the Christmas story, some of us wrestling with it. For some of you, I know that 2019 has been a difficult year. How can this be? How can God be present in the midst of loss, frustration, illness, divorce, and disappointment? How is can God be present in a world of violence, political intrigue, lies, deceit, and fear? How can God be present in me when there is doubt and questions?

For when all is said and done, there is nothing to say or do that could add the smallest luster to this day. The most overpowering music or overwhelming light display could never hold a candle to the simple wonder of a heart captivated by our gracious God, who loved the world so that he gave his only begotten Son. When we could not go to him, he has come to us wrapped in swaddling clothes.

If you wrestle with these questions, fear not. You have a place with Mary, a place at the manger, a place within in mystery—and miracle—of the incarnation.

But there is another aspect of Mary’s pondering. The Greek word translated “pondered” can also have a stronger and more contentious meaning, “to wrestle with.” Mary takes in, treasures, but also wrestles deeply with the meaning of the experiences she has and the words she hears when Jesus is born—this miracle of God’s presence.

But there is another aspect of Mary’s pondering. The Greek word translated “pondered” can also have a stronger and more contentious meaning, “to wrestle with.” Mary takes in, treasures, but also wrestles with the meaning of all that she has seen and heard when Jesus is born—this miracle of God’s presence.

Tonight, we sing the line “let every heart prepare him room” and “Joy to the world,” but I imagine that while some of us relish the Christmas story, some of us wrestling with it. For some of you, I know that 2019 has been a difficult year. How can this be? How can God be present in the midst of loss, frustration, illness, divorce, and disappointment? How is can God be present in a world of violence, political intrigue, lies, deceit, and fear? How can God be present in me when there is doubt and questions? Is this old story true?

This is the mystery in the manger: God in flesh, here among us. God in a crib—and then some 30 years later, God on a cross, made to be sin for us that he might remove forever the curse of sin and the sting of death, which is the just penalty of God’s Law “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (). That’s the mystery of Christmas.

But there is another aspect of Mary’s pondering. The Greek word translated “ponder” can also have a stronger and more contentious meaning, “to wrestle with.” Mary takes in, treasures, but also wrestles with the meaning of all that she has seen and heard when Jesus is born—this miracle of God’s presence.

Tonight, we sing the line “let every heart prepare him room” and “Joy to the world,” but I imagine that while some of us relish the Christmas story, some of us wrestle with it. For some of you, I know that 2019 has been a difficult year: How can God be present in the midst of loss, frustration, illness, divorce, and disappointment? How is can God be present in a world of violence, political intrigue, lies, deceit, and fear? How can God be present in me when there is doubt and questions? Is this old story really true?

Tonight, we sing the line “let every heart prepare him room” and “Joy to the world,” but I imagine that while some of us relish the Christmas story, some of us wrestle with it. For some of you, I know that 2019 has been a difficult year: How can God be present in the midst of loss, frustration, illness, divorce, and disappointment? How is can God be present in a world of violence, political intrigue, lies, deceit, and fear? How can God be present in me when there is doubt and questions, sins and failure? Is this old story really true?

If you wrestle with these questions, fear not. You have a place with Mary, a place at the manger, a place within the story of the incarnation. For God does not call us to “figure out” Christmas Eve but to simply treasure and ponder this mystery.

Everything else will fade. The glitz and glitter will soon be packed away for another year. The excitement of children and the happy glow of all we’ve come to expect from this holy night is illusive and fast fleeting. All too soon it’s come and gone. But not this.

If you wrestle with these questions, fear not. You have a place with Mary, a place at the manger, a place within the story of the incarnation. God does not call His people to try to “figure out” Christmas Eve but to simply treasure and ponder this mystery.

Mary leads the way this night. Set aside the season’s busy-ness and get down to God’s business. Treasure up all these things, ponder in your heart the great glad news that Christ is born a child. Ponder with Mary God’s love for her and for you, so great that it would drain from Him the final breath of life. Ponder that. Ponder that God so loved the world, and so loved you and me, that He gave His only-begotten Son.

This is the mystery in the manger: God in flesh, here among us. God in a crib—and then some 30 years later, God on a cross, made to be sin for us that he might remove forever the curse of sin and the sting of death, which is the just penalty of God’s Law “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” ().

This is the mystery in the manger: God in flesh, here among us. God in a crib—and then some 30 years later, God on a cross, made to be sin for us that he might remove forever the curse of sin and the sting of death, “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” ().

If you wrestle with these questions, fear not. You have a place at the manger—right next to Mary—a place within the mystery of the incarnation. For God does not call us to “figure out” Christmas but to simply treasure and ponder this mystery.

He comes among us wrapped in the swaddling clothes of the Word of his Gospel. He comes for every soul distressed and lonely and grieving. He comes for every wounded mind and heart. He comes for peace that passes all understanding, for forgiveness, for life and our salvation. He comes for you and you and you this night.

Everything else will fade. The glitz and glitter will soon be packed away for another year. The excitement of children and the happy glow of all we’ve come to expect from this holy night is illusive and fast fleeting. All too soon it’s come and gone. But not this.

This is the mystery in the manger: God in flesh, here among us. God in a crib—and then some 30 years later, God on a cross, made to be sin for us that he might remove forever the curse of sin and the sting of death.

Everything else will fade. The glitz and glitter will soon be packed away for another year. The excitement of children and the happy glow of all we’ve come to expect from this night is short-lived. All too soon it’s come and gone. But not this.

Everything else will fade. The glitz and glitter will soon be packed away for another year. The excitement of children and the happy glow of all we’ve come to expect from this night is short-lived. All too soon it’s come and gone. But not this: “Unto you is born this day… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”

Mary leads the way this night. Set aside the season’s busy-ness and get down to God’s business. Treasure up all these things, ponder in your heart the great glad news that Christ is born a child. Ponder with Mary God’s love for her and for you and for the world, so great that He gave His only-begotten Son. Ponder what He makes of us—children of God, beloved brothers and sisters of Mary who have the Christ Child nestled deep within ourselves by water and the Spirit, by bread and wine.

Mary leads the way this night. Set aside the season’s busy-ness and get down to God’s business. Treasure up all these things, ponder in your heart the great glad news that Christ is born a child. Ponder with Mary God’s love for her and for you and for the world, so great that He gave His only-begotten Son. Ponder what He makes of us—saints, beloved brothers and sisters of Mary who have the Christ Child nestled deep within ourselves by water and the Spirit.

So, let Mary lead the way tonight. Set aside the season’s busy-ness and get down to God’s business. Treasure up all these things, ponder in your heart the great glad news that Christ is born a child. Ponder with Mary God’s love for her and for you and for the world, a love so great that He gave His only-begotten Son. Ponder what He makes of us—children of God, beloved brothers and sisters of Mary who have the Christ Child nestled deep within us by water and the Spirit, by bread and wine. Ponder that God comes among us wrapped in the swaddling clothes of the Word of his Gospel.

Ponder that God comes among us wrapped in the swaddling clothes of the Word of his Gospel. Ponder that He comes for every soul distressed and lonely and grieving. Ponder that He comes for every wounded mind and heart. He comes for peace that passes all understanding, for forgiveness, for life and our salvation. Ponder that He comes for you and you and you this night.

Ponder that God comes among us wrapped in the swaddling clothes of the Word of his Gospel. Ponder that He comes for every distressed and lonely and grieving spirit. Ponder that He comes for every wounded mind and heart. Ponder that He comes for peace that passes all understanding, for forgiveness, for life and our salvation. Ponder that He comes for you and you and you this night.

Ponder that He comes for every distressed and lonely and grieving spirit. Ponder that He comes for every questioning mind and heart. Ponder that He comes with peace that passes all understanding, with forgiveness, with life and salvation. Ponder that He comes for you this night.