Don’t look now but the holidays are fast approaching-bringing with them the stress that typically accompanies this time of year. Tell me. When did HOLY DAYS become HOLIDAYS? When did we allow this sacred time to become pressurized and commercialized? An internal battle between our priorities and our preparation rage within and are especially heightened during this time of the year. Distractions replace our devotion to Christ. Face it. We are easily distracted. Shiny ornaments, pretty wrappings, glittering lights, sumptuous food, and extravagant gifts capture our attention. How can we maintain the true meaning of Christmas? The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14 NAS). How can we maintain our priorities? How can we streamline our preparations?
Luke recounted a story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, who faced a similar struggle. Jesus was the honored Guest in their home. The sisters had entirely different reactions. Priorities and preparations became the point of contention for these sisters just as they will for us this holiday season. Jesus entered a village and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She has a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations. (Luke 10:38-40). We quickly relate to Martha’s dilemma. A special guest was in her home. She wanted to honor Him. Martha’s original motivation was pure but her preparations quickly overwhelmed her. She stormed into the Lords’ presence and complained, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40).
How many times have we been there and done that? We have family and friends in our home. We want to bless them in the name of the Lord. But what happens? Our priorities and our preparations battle. We become distracted and overwhelmed. Irritation creeps in and strangles our joy. At this point anger is not far behind. We start stomping around the kitchen and clanging pots and pans. We look in the den. There sit our so-called friends and family being lulled into a sleepy stupor after inhaling the Christmas dinner that took us two weeks to prepare. Our good intentions sour our dispositions. “Lord,” we whine, “do You not care? Do you not care that my family and friends have left me to do all the work? The shopping, the wrapping, the decorating, the cooking, the cleaning. Lord, do You not care that I did it all?”
Can you picture Martha? Taking an aggressive stance, Martha stands over the Lord. Her face is red. Her breath is coming is short bursts. Her hands are defiantly positioned on her hips. Her hair hangs in damp ringlets around her face. Sweat is beading up on her lip. Gentle, but firm, was the Lord’s rebuke. Luke 10:41 says, The Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many thing but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her.” All the while Mary is seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word (Luke 10:39).
Do you want to have a Mary Christmas? You must stay on guard. Priorities and preparations will battle for control of your will this Christmas season. Refuse to be distracted. Seek to increase your devotion the Lord Jesus Christ. Determine to remain seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His Word. And have yourself a Mary little Christmas!
**This article was originally published in the magazine Delivered, available for FREE in the Memphis area.
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