A Martha Christmas?

Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

So which are you at Christmas? Mary or Martha? Do you rush hither and tither making preparations for everyone else to enjoy the day or do you prepare yourself for the day?

Are you up cooking, cleaning, decorating and wrapping or do you sit "at the feet" of Jesus? It doesn't have to be silent...if everyone else in the house is going about their business, this doesn't have to interfere with you. Jesus can speak to you in the midst of noise. If He is truly the Shepherd of your life, you will hear His voice.

During this time when we're all surrounded by presents, it is a good thing to give money to charities or to your church. But is that the best gift you can give the Christ Child? What do you think Jesus Himself desires from you? Sure He wants us to see others less fortunate and help ease their burdens but He wants your time. Being available to open your heart to Him is to have a Mary Christmas.

How much of your celebration is secular? There is an over abundance of Christmas songs and we're meant to enjoy them...but are they all about "Let it snow, Let it snow" or "Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer" or "Up on the house top"? Do you also incorporate "Hark the Herald angels" or "What Child is this" or "In the Bleak Midwinter"? We all decorate with trees and snowmen and Christmas stockings but do you also include a star? An Advent wreath? Angels?

Jesus is the reason for the season...let's keep Him in the midst of the celebration.