For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious (II Corinthians 3:11).
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her Heart (Luke 2:19).
"The law woundeth, but the gospel healeth, and is glad tidings and good news. The law condemneth: and the gospel delivereth. And Moses accuseth: but Christ defendeth. And Moses condemneth; but Christ pardoneth. The law restraineth the hands: but the gospel restraineth the hands and the mind. And the law condemneth: but Christ saveth."
"And you may see...how Mary wrapped Christ in swaddling clothes, and how tender she was of the heavenly birth, conceived by the Holy Ghost. And must all true and tender Christians, that receive Him in the Spirit... She kept all the sayings that were spoken of Christ, and pondered them in her heart. And so should every true Christian."
(George Fox)
Under the law there was condemnation, for all have fallen short of the glory of God. But, one was coming into the world to seek and save that which was lost.
So he comes. Not as a great empror, but as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.
Did Mary keep all that she had been told of her special boy in her head alone? God forbid. No, she kept it in her heart. It is possible for us to know gospel truths in our head alone, but what good is that? It must move beyond head knowledge to heart knowledge. Don't just know the truth about Jesus, but let it and indeed Him live in your heart. When we do this we are compelled to respond. Our head ministers to our heart and our heart to our hands. Mary responded actively. She gave birth to Jesus and as far as we know lived a Godly life. Likewise, though our task may not be giving birth to God's son, we also must respond actively to whatever our calling is and to live Godly lives.
Head, Heart, Hand!
A final thought from George Fox: "We must not have Christ Jesus, the Lord of life, put any more in a stable amongst the horses and asses; but he must now have the best chamber, the heart..."
