Have a Mary Christmas - Jewell Utt
Whispers of the season stir some curious thoughts. Chatter ranges from hectic schedules, to parties, shopping, and finally exhaustion. It’s joy mixed with the nuisance of doing. Holidays are a busy time, but what month of the year is not? We are a fast paced society, our tasks are not limited to seasonal celebrations. Festivities make the holidays a time to anticipate with intention and excitement.
So what makes the festivities special? It’s an investment in people rather than tasks. A time when doing is pushed to the background. When work and other cares are left behind. A celebration is a time set aside to be present with an undivided heart. A time of being with family and friends.
The story of Mary and Martha teach us an important lesson.
When Jesus visited, Martha busied herself with preparations. A good hostess always puts out some food, and in those days modern conveniences were not present, making this a laborious task. Surely she desired to sit at the feet of Jesus, as Mary was doing, but there was work to be done. So she appealed to the Lord for Mary’s help and His answer is quite astonishing to the Doers of the world.
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (HCSB)
Mary made the right choice sitting there doing nothing?
Yes, because she chose to BE with Jesus and enjoy His presence as of first importance. Mary’s heart was undivided. Martha’s heart was consumed with tasks. She could only offer part of her attention because other pressing matters were at hand.
Yet I’m mindful to recognize Martha’s important role. She was the one who invited Jesus in, not Lazarus the head of the home, or Mary the sister (vs 38). Also, it was the custom to offer a meal to guests and food doesn’t prepare itself, so she was doing the necessary work.
We wouldn’t get far today without our Doers. Their natural propensity is to see a job through, but tasks never end. There’s always more to do. The key is to know when to stop. It’s in the choices we make. “Mary chose.” She knew how to embrace the moment. Being fully present is a choice and a gift. It’s our gift to others and God’s gift to us. Its magnifies who not what we hold dear.
This Christmas be still in the presence of God and remember to embrace your loved ones with an undivided heart.
Merry Christmas!
