"A Martha Christmas"

"And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."  Luke 10:39,40

I discovered two more Bible characters who needed to be added to the Christmas story--Mary and Martha.  Let me explain why I think it is appropriate to talk about these two sisters at this time of year.  They each represent how we respond to Christmas. 

Sadly, Christmas has become a "cumbersome" time.  The hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, wrapping presents, baking treats, planning for guests, running from one event to another, fighting traffic, etc. has become burdensome.  Who can enjoy the holiday for all the obligations and busy-ness that goes along with it.  Like Martha, we are cumbered about with the cares of making sure everything is done and taken care of.  She couldn't enjoy her guest, Jesus, for all the preparation and details she was tending to.

Our proper response to Christmas should be like Mary.  Christmas is not about putting up the tree, making sure the lights are all strung, buying dozens of presents, attending party after party, it is about the birthday of Jesus our Savior.  It is about celebrating Him.  It is about acknowledging His birth and worshipping at His feet.  It is about giving your heart back to Him in loving response of the gift of Himself that He gave you.  This is the better part. 

How are you responding to Christmas?  Are you so busy you are getting frustrated and unable to just enjoy the pure simplicity of worshipping the babe born in the manger?  Are you so busy and caught up in the rat-race of the worldly obligations that you are tired and will be glad when it is all over?  Are you staying focused on the true meaning and enjoying what Christmas is all about?  Peace on earth, good will to men.

Have a great day.  Are you celebrating Christmas like Martha-- too busy to enjoy it?  Or are you celebrating it like Mary-- worshipping the Savior who was born in a manger?

For further reading:
Luke 10:38-42

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from

About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.

Please feel free to

call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web:www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.