Have a Mary Christmas
Luke 10:42
“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
My husband called me Martha. I bristled at the name as I retorted, “I’m not a Martha; I’m a Mary, well, maybe a mixture of the two.” Our pastor had just preached a sermon about having a Mary Christmas rather than a Martha one. Truth is I am more of a Martha than I’d like to be and a lot less of a Mary than I wish to be. I accepted my pastor’s challenge for the holiday season; choose to be a Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus. Soak in the glorious truth that Christmas is God with us.
In the Luke 10 story, Jesus commended Mary for desiring to sit at his feet rather than bustling about with much ado about nothing. Christmas is a busy season for all of us and especially for those who like to cook, decorate, send cards, attend Christmas programs and social activities, plus work a full-time job. With such busyness, a Martha complex comes easily. We, like Martha, get frustrated with co-workers, church sisters and even family when we are so intent on taking care of every minute detail rather than choosing to enjoy the wonder of Christmas.
What have I done to make this Christmas a Mary one? I’m reading through the book of John and meditating on the life of Jesus. I’m paying attention to the words of Jesus and applying His teachings to my daily activities. I’m consciously trying to be a light to those I meet while shopping. I’m smiling and saying kind things to public servants. I’m trying to be patient with family and friends when things do not necessarily go my way. You know, it’s a lot more fun being a Mary. Why don’t you try having a Mary Christmas?
Marjorie Workman
Tennessee
