On this day, Ponder this!

A Reflection for Christmas Day by Rev. Dr. Cynthia P. Stewart

Lectionary reading for 12/25/2025 Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20; Selected passage for reflection: Luke 2 (1-7), 8-20

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Book Chapter: Luke 2: (1-7), 8-20 - NRSV

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.[a]

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[b] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[c] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[d]

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

Reflect

Take a moment with your journal, in a quiet space, maybe with instrumental music playing in the background and consider which character resonates the most with you. Is it the Shepherds? Is it Mary? Is it Joseph? Is it the Angels? Within this passage, we read the words over and over again: “”they went”;  “they found”;  “they saw”;  “they heard”; and “they were terrified”.  There is a lot of action taking place within this passage. As we are nearing the end of 2025, reflect on one or all of these words. 

This year I have gone through a lot of transitions, one being I made the hard decision to leave one university and start at a new one. Yes, I was terrified of starting something new, but I heard God tell me at the beginning of the year, “this is the year of New Beginnings.” So I saw and found one job posting and after 3 months of interviewing, I went from one university to another. In this passage, I resonate the most with Mary, because in Luke 1:28-35, I was reminded how this was not the first time that an Angel had come and spoken to her. I recognized that Mary pondered in Luke: 1:29 and in Luke 2:19. Many times we want to do things quickly and not take the time to sit with God, check our heart, and ask God for wisdom. But this is what Mary did, she pondered, she did it afraid, even when the Angels told her, “fear not” (v.30). Sometimes we have to step out on faith, with fear, but trusting God. 

A promise was spoken to Mary and that God’s favor was with her. But the best part is verse 37 that states, “nothing is impossible with God.” We have to believe this in our heart, the word “nothing” is key. God is calling us to a place of trust in the words He has spoken to us. We are to respond like Mary, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” This means, we are saying “Yes” to what God has promised us. On this Christmas day, we can see the manifestation of Mary’s “yes” to God. It is not about gifts under a tree, which will come and go, but the gift of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 

Respond 

How have you taken the time this year to "ponder” “to reflect” “to consider” “to meditate”? On this Christmas Day, consider how we are celebrating the life of our King and Saviour who was spoken into the world by his Father. Who had a mother who was obedient to the promise that was spoken to her. Reflect on what God has spoken to you. What are promises you heard that you have not started? What are changes that you have pondered in your heart, but have not made the decision? Consider these things as we are nearing the end of 2025. How will you celebrate the life of Jesus? Respond by writing down all the things that you are grateful for that have happened this year. How has God shown himself that “nothing is impossible”? 

Rest 

Father in the Name of Jesus, I lift each person who is reading this devotion today. As we celebrate the birth of your Son Jesus on this day, may we consider all the promises you have spoken over our lives. May we give you thanks today for the gift of a Saviour who never leaves us or forsakes, who shed His blood for us, that we may have life and life more abundantly. God I ask that as they ponder, they will hear your voice, and like Mary may they find favor with you. In Jesus Name, Amen. Now sit quietly and ponder what God has for you in 2026. 

About the Author 

Rev. Dr. Cynthia P. Stewart is an ordained minister at New Life Covenant Church Southeast in Chicago, IL. She is a certified Spiritual Director, has a weekly Wednesday 5am women’s only prayer call, and she facilitates spiritual retreats. She lives in Indiana, but works in Chicago, which allows her quality time with God during her commute. The things that bring her joy are sitting still by water, tennis, the arts, and eating good food.