Have a “Mary” Christmas

Many thanks to Clare Cartagena for today's post. Clare is a member and a mentor of my writing group and a gifted, multipublished writer with her first novel in the works.

Luke 10: 38-40 NIV “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!”

We anticipate Christmas from a distance differently than as the time draws near. Nothing changes about what the celebration is except our frame of mind. Some would say we lose our minds.

What happens is the “Mary/Martha” syndrome. Martha invited Jesus into her home. What a special day! Everything had to be just right. Of course the meal should show honor befitting the guest. The plans she had, the pressure, the work, everything important, no detail could be overlooked. How quickly a joyous occasion became overwhelming until she not only missed the guest, she fought with her family! Sound familiar?

Mary on the other hand sat at Jesus’ feet drinking up His words, knowing that a meal of some kind would come together when everyone was hungry.

Right now, we can have “Mary” plans. The holiday season is just beginning. Christmas is still far enough away to waken dreams of colored lights, special gifts, baking cookies and spreading joy among friends and family. In not so many weeks, we may wake to a nightmarish Martha feeling that we don’t have enough time to do what absolutely must be done or some loved one will be disappointed. We will struggle with memories not so sweet of family and friends not always dear, of pounds added from too many cookies and wallets depleted from too many gifts.

Say is isn’t so! Can’t we stay at this moment and time; a week before Thanksgiving with its traditional menu, no thinking involved? Stress has not entered the picture yet but maybe, just maybe we can do something today that will guard our tomorrow.

Consider the calm that is upon you now. Hold onto the worship in your heart that compels you to make Christmas special.

Make a commitment to sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to His words. Be willing to let the perfect meal, the perfect table and the perfect gift pass you by. Choose to keep your focus on the One who will bless you and your household as you draw and stay near Him.

Clare Cartagena