The tenth chapter of Luke records the story of two sisters, Mary
and Martha. These two sisters have very different temperaments. Mary is the
more laid back of the two. She is content to sit, listen, and enjoy. Martha is
a doer. She wants to get things taken care of, make sure responsibilities are covered,
and wants the to-do list completed. These two contrasting temperaments collide one
day when Jesus comes to town (Luke 10:38-42). Mary wants to sit at Jesus’ feet and
listen while Martha wants to get the meal ready and the guests served.
Mary and Martha’s story reaches a climax when Martha has had
enough of her lazy sister. She asks Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my
sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me” (v. 40). Jesus responds
by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but
one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be
taken away from her” (vs. 41-42). Simply put, Jesus gives Martha a bit of a reality
check.
Christmas is upon us. I know that there are gifts to buy,
parties to plan, and meals to prepare. Add to that the holiday baking that
needs to take place and the cards that need mailed out and you have a full
schedule. Beyond trying to get everything planned and done, there is the coordinating
of schedules and numerous events to attend. If we are not careful, we will fall
into Martha’s trap. We will be “anxious and troubled about many things.” This
is not how our Lord would have us to spend Christmas.
Try and approach this Christmas season with a Mary-like
attitude. Realize that it is o.k. to sit down, to listen, and to enjoy the
presence of our Lord. Realize that many of the things we allow to stress us out
simply do not matter or they will take care of themselves. Let’s make Christmas
a time of reflection and refreshment. Let’s remind ourselves that this should
be a season of joy, anticipation, and celebration. This is not a time to allow
the circumstance to overrun us.
Not only do I want you to have a Merry Christmas, I want you
to have a “Mary” Christmas.
Honored to be your pastor,
Darrell
