With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to lose focus on the true meaning of Christmas. God never intended for us to race through the holidays at break neck speed. Let me prove it to you. In Luke 10:38-42, we hear about two sisters, Mary and Martha who entertained Jesus in their home. And to think your mom is stressed over having Grandma and Grandpa!
Here’s the story:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 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!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
I can just picture poor Martha racing frantically through the house to get everything just right for Jesus’ arrival. Finally, He arrives and her sister Mary occupies herself by sitting at His feet and clinging to His every word. You can imagine this didn’t settle well with Martha. If you have a sister, I’m sure you can relate. Finally, Martha can stand it no longer and asks Jesus to tell her sister to help out. I’m sure she never imagined that He would side with Mary, but He does.
Jesus is not knocking serving others, but rather making the point that “sitting” at His feet should precede (come before) serving. This Christmas, will you make an effort to slow down and “sit” at the feet of Jesus? Here are a few ideas to help you out:
And don't forget, Have a Mary Christmas!
Written by: Vicki Courtney; copyright virtuousreality.com
