“Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
Mary was unlike every mother. “The child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God” (Luke 1:35b).
Mary was like every mother. “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
A mother’s heart is a treasure store of things to ponder.
Things of joy … “He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49).
That first glimpse, baptism, feedings, giggles, wobbly steps, silly words, school days, life.
Things of sorrow … “And a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Luke 2:35a).
Sickness, scrapes, pains, mistakes, bad choices, wrong friends, rebellion, maybe death.
A mother’s heart needs the treasure of Christ’s love.
To celebrate the joys … “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46).
To be comforted in sorrow … “And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50).
A Prayer for a Mother’s Heart
Thank You, heavenly Father, for the lofty vocation of motherhood. Thank You for our mothers. Be with mothers of the unborn, newborns, toddlers, teens, and adults. Strengthen their hearts to ponder anew the wonder of Your gift of life. Be with mothers who have miscarried. Uplift their hearts to receive Your love and comfort. Be with mothers whose hearts are crushed because of an abortion. Restore their hearts through Your love and forgiveness. Pour out the treasure of Christ’s love that He might be seen and glorified in the heart of a mother. In His name, Amen.
Insert front artwork: Our Saviour Subject to his Parents at Nazareth, 1860 (oil on canvas) by Herbert, John Rogers (1810-90). Private Collection. Photo © Christie’s Images/The Bridgeman Art Library. Nationality/copyright status: English/out of copyright.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.