Talk about busy, it may or may not have been Christmas, but Martha and Mary were scurring around getting food ready when Jesus came by. Kinda like us around Christmas or Easter or any holday that is important to us. The song for advent day 3 called Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is a slower melow song that kind of reminds use to just slow down abit and take time to enjoy the little things that come your way.
I didn't read the entire chapter of Luke 10, as it has afew different parable stories in there, but I did read from verses 38-42 as it pointed me to 41-42 to get an idea what they're talking about. You are welcome to read the enntire chp. if you like to as well.
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light.
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.
Christmas can seem like a rat race at times. There is all of the hectic last-minute shopping at crowded malls, struggling to find the perfect gift for someone, the decorating of the house (including checking every single bulb on the strand of lights to find the one at the very end that shorted out the rest), wrapping present after present after present, or preparing for your extended family take over your house for the day. It is easy to get lost in the busyness of Christmas, and to miss the things that are really important.
We see this happen in the book of Luke, when Jesus went to eat in the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha spent her time running around cooking, serving dinner, and cleaning. These were all very good things, but “busy” things. Meanwhile, Mary sat in the company of Jesus. When Martha asked Jesus to tell her to work too, He told her, “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 indeed 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 check off, 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 better, and have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Questions:
What are some things you need to take off the list to make yourself become more like Mary?
What are the better things that you will choose to be a part of this Christmas?
My Answers:
Sometimes I get abiit caought up in the rush of things making sure I have all the gifts bought, I don't typically make all the food because mom dose, but I try to help out if she needs it. It's ok to do things for the Christmas holiday, but I think we just need to get things done at a decent rate, earlier the better is always good for less stress possibly. Need to keep things in balance and take time with those that are close and dear to you when you can. Life is short, choose to include Jesus in your dailey walk this Christmas season. Sometimes just taking some you and God time helps clear your mind from the rush.
Thanks for the thoughts! It is a good reminder to pace yourself and take care of things ahead of time. We always need to be ready to sit and take time with those who matter – because of the One Who matters. Thanks again for writing down your thoughts and sharing!