The Evangelist tells us in our text that "the people wondered at these sayings;" but surely it was only a temporary emotion. Yet there were a few pious and attentive hearers who were not forgetful nor indifferent, as were the many; for the Evangelist says, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
It behooves us to study these words, and to learn from them how we ought to hear the Word of God. "Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart;" that is, she meditated upon them. He who firmly retains the Word of God, and studies it, will discover in it, from day to day, new sources of wisdom and consolation, thereby becoming more firmly rooted in his faith; while the superficial and indifferent hearer will not be benefited at all, no matter how often you may preach to him. It is with him as when a blow is struck upon the water.
From the Fifth Sermon for Christmas, Martin Luther, House Postil.
