Have a “Mary” Christmas!
Tuesday- Christmas concert at school,
Wednesday- Family Advent Night at church,
Thursday-Christmas Party at the “Smith’s.”
Send out invitations for an annual Cookie Exchange at our house.
Send out invitations for office party.
Send out Christmas cards…….
Wow! Is your calendar quickly filling up? AND- it’s only the beginning of December!
As we begin to jump into the Christmas season, and all of the activities that surround it, I am again reminded that I must keep grounded on what Christmas is all about- the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is so easy to get caught up in all of the busyness, the things on all of our “to-do” lists, the shopping and entertaining…
As I catch my breath, and remind myself to slow down, I think of Mary and Martha. (Luke 10:38-42) Both sisters loved Jesus and were dearly loved by Him. Now Martha, the older sister, had a servant heart, but could get caught up in all of the details and become distracted by her many tasks.
One day Jesus came to visit the women. Martha was preparing a meal for them while her sister, Mary, sat at the feet of Jesus. As Martha was busy with all of the preparations, she allows her heart to go from serving joyfully and selflessly to getting angry that she is doing all the work alone.
As I read the story, I can picture Martha clanging the dishes, hoping to get Mary’s attention. I see her banging the cupboard doors, and perhaps sighing loudly- you know, the “huhhhs”- expecting Mary to hear and get the hint!
And, why do I think this? Probably because this is MY typical behavior when I am feeling sorry for myself in these situations!
Well, Martha finally blows, and she storms in the room where Jesus and Mary are sitting, and whines, “Lord! Don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Boy, do I hear my own whining voice in this story, especially at this time of year. “Lord! Don’t You care that I am doing all of the work by myself? You know? The cleaning, the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking, the decorating, sending the cards, the baking… Make my husband help me!”
But, Jesus is not concerned with the fancy dinner, the decorations, the fluff. He tells Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. But, only one thing is needed and Mary has chosen what is better and it won’t be taken from her.”
You see, sitting at the feet of the Savior, drawing near to Him, listening to Him, being still and knowing Him- that is what is important and it won’t be taken from you. It is the “one thing” our stressed, tired spirits need! It is the “one thing” that I NEED!
This Christmas, we can get caught up in shopping for the gifts, stringing the lights, decorating the tree, singing the songs, attending the parties, the details and distractions. But, my prayer for you is that this Christmas, you will experience THE gift- the Bright and Morning Star, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, our Hope, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, your Burden Bearer, Our Strength, and Our Salvation, Immanuel- God With Us.
Lord, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your gift of grace and love. Help me to keep my heart set on You this Christmas! Help me to be “Mary”. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Waiting for Him,
Tracy
Oh Tracy, I am a Martha but I so want to be a Mary this year. In fact we are trimming things back, way back, this year to simplify Christmas so to put our attention more on Him and His blessing rather than blessing one another. Great post and very timely as we enter in these upcoming busy days. ((blessings))
Amen, help me to be more like Mary.
So far, I have avoided all stress. Actually I have been a ‘hermit’ this Christmas season. Not sure what is wrong with me, but I am liking the stress-free life 🙂