The story of Mary and Martha is not usually associated with Christmas, but the Lord used that familiar story to teach me an important Christmas truth when I read it recently in my quiet time. It was the word “distracted” that struck me. I don’t think the Lord minded that Martha was preparing a meal – that she was willing to serve Him. But her focus became on the work she was doing rather than the One for whom she was doing it.
Christmas probably has more built-in distractions than any other time of year. The very things that were meant to bring focus to Christ now keep us too busy to spend time, like Mary, quietly sitting at His feet. We have gifts to buy, wrap, and mail. We have decorations to hang – often indoors and out. We have practices for Sunday School programs, cards to address, cookies to bake – and the list goes on.
Martha wasn’t wrong to prepare a meal for her guest. We aren’t wrong to enjoy all the festivities and fun of the Christmas season. But Martha’s problem can easily become ours. We find ourselves, not just busy, but distracted. Christ’s gentle reminder to Martha is one that needs to be heard by us this time of year. “Only one thing is needed.” (Luke 10:42) In the midst of the wrapping paper, the carols and cards, there is still only one thing that is truly needed. And that one thing is the beautiful call that has been heard since the very first Christmas: “Come and worship.”
I trust you will all have a wonderful and worshipful Christmas!
Follow