Thursday, December 21: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” -Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Christmas can seem like a rat race at times. There is all of the hectic last-minute shopping at crowded malls while struggling to find the perfect gift for someone, decorating the house, wrapping present after present after present, or preparing for the family to come and take over the house for a day, a week, or what seems like a year. It is easy to get lost in the busyness of Christmas, and to miss the things that are really important.
As we see in the book of Luke, this happens when Jesus goes to eat in the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha spends her time running around cooking, serving dinner, and cleaning, which are very good things, but are busy things. Meanwhile, Mary sits in the company of Jesus. When Martha asks Jesus to tell her to work too, He tells her that “Mary has chosen what is better.”
Jesus is trying to tell us to live in the moment. It is great that you are willing to be like Martha, and make sure that all of the popcorn is strung up, but it is not worth missing the opportunity to have a real conversation with a family member you don’t see often, or when your child’s face lights up because Santa got that letter and delivered exactly what they asked for. It is not about all that we have to do, the list of things we have checked off our list, but it is all about the moment. This year, don’t miss out on what is better. Take the opportunity to enjoy the time you have with friends and family. Take time not to worry about the things you have to do, but to enjoy the people you get to be with. Be present where you are, because that is what is best for you, your family and friends, and God. So go ahead, as the Christmas Carol goes, and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas right now.” Merry Christmas to all!!!