It’s easy to get overwhelmed this time of year. Parties and programs fill every square of the kitchen calendar. There are presents to buy (will they get there in time with standard shipping?), guest rooms to clean, Christmas cookies to bake, trees to decorate, stockings to hang, dinner to plan. There’s not a moment to breathe.

As the hustle and bustle takes a firm hold on December, I find my thoughts turning to Mary. No, not THAT Mary. It’s the Mary of Mary-and-Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Remember the story with me.

Jesus is visiting the home of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy playing the perfect hostess – making sure all the decorations were up, the napkins were folded just so, the Christmas dinnerware was washed and the good silver polished – everything to make the party just perfect for their very important guest. But Mary just sat at Jesus’ feet and listened. And Martha was mad!

“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.“

What an important reminder for all of us this Christmas season! Let us do as Mary did, and just sit and listen for the sound of Christmas.

In Christ’s Love – jmw