Bring It, Santa

Every morning my youngest child comes downstairs while I’m making breakfast and changes the Countdown to Christmas Santa Head hanging on the wall, then she announces how many days left. Fifteen days till Christmas! Can this possibly be right? As I’m downing my first cup of coffee, I’m going through the list of things that I still have to do. Shallow breathing is not the best way to start the day, but it’s exactly what I’m doing lately.

Yesterday at church I was reminded of the secret to living a peaceful life – it’s all in the choices that we make. Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in a village along the route of Jesus’ three year journey. Being hospitable, Martha opened her home to the Savior and his disciples, allowing them to rest and for Jesus to teach while she prepared dinner. Martha’s sister Mary was there, sitting at Jesus’ feet, drinking in his every word. It didn’t take long for Martha to become resentful, working hard for everyone else, while her sister sat. So she mentioned it to Jesus, and was probably shocked by his rebuke; she had chosen incorrectly.

This old familiar story was so profound for me again today. How often do I busy myself with good things, important things, but then easily become angry or resentful because I am not getting out of it what I desire – peace. How many of the items on my list truly matter? Am I willing to let go of the temporary tasks in favor of taking rest in the words of Christ? Will I take the time to peer into the manger this year, and really see the baby that changed it all? Lord, please help me to choose correctly, this season and always.

 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!”

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42