I have thought quite a bit about Mary this Christmas season, especially the part at the end of the Christmas story we read in Luke 2:19 where it says, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (KJV) Pondering, as Dr. Britannica tells us, means thinking about or considering something carefully. When I read that, I can’t help but think of what a great example Mary is of pondering all these sacred experiences that shaped who she became and how she looked at the world. So I would ask the question, what do we ponder in our hearts?
So much has happened this year. Sure, there may be a distinct lack of angel choirs singing, but it’s been pretty eventful. This year – for better or for worse – we've elected a new president. We've raised a calf crop; bought and sold cattle, land, hay or other crops; and spent some tense moments with the ranch books. We've mended fences, both literal and metaphorical, and experienced moments of joy and pain in all of the infinite variety that only a life on this mortal coil can include. We've seen folks all across the country experience hurricanes, fires, floods and social unrest. Across the world we’ve seen famine, disease, wars, rumors of wars and so much more.
So of all the things you have experienced this year, what are you going to ponder? What are you going to keep in your heart?
Our holiday editorial piece this year is a compilation of Christmas memories from the staff and some regular contributors. None of these memories include an unexpected visit from some shepherds or a special star from on high, but they do include essential elements from the Christmas story: humility, love and hope. These are memories that have been pondered and that have in some way shaped the lives of those who shared them.
I am aware that Christmas isn’t always a joyful experience for everyone. Christmas may only serve to highlight the loneliness and sadness we already face, and some memories, even the ones surrounding Christmas, may be unpleasant or even painful. This is where the other part of pondering comes in. Pondering isn’t just remembering experiences, it is considering deeply and allowing yourself to learn from your experiences, good and bad. So again, what are you going to ponder?
I urge you to ponder your experiences from this year and hold on to the memories that can build you up and let go of what holds you back.
I pray that you'll find healing for the past and hope for the future. I wish you patience to deal with the imperfections of others and God’s grace to deal with your own. I wish you hope as you look forward to a new year and the strength and fortitude to make it through troubling times with your head up, chin out and feet firmly planted.
But most of all, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
