Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 ESV).

 

As I have aged my struggle with OCD has become greater. I suppose that’s not as bad as it could be, however, my incessant desire to achieve perfection can be a bit exhausting at times. I make lists of more things than are necessary which are constantly reevaluated to ensure the sequence of the tasks are most efficient. It extends to things that really are unimportant. I mean, what difference does it matter which route I take to run errands! And really does it matter where each ornament is placed on the Christmas tree! You get the picture. This is something of what Matha’s problem was with her sister in our reading.

 

This is also the basis for today’s devotional and the use of the Christmas carol “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Christmas can seem like a rat race at times. There is all of the hectic last-minute shopping at crowded malls while struggling to find the perfect gift for someone, the decorating the house, wrapping present after present after

present, or preparing for the family to come and take over the house for the day. It is easy to get lost in the busyness of Christmas, and to miss the things that are important.

 

We see this happen in the book of Luke, when Jesus goes to eat in the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha spends her time running around cooking, serving dinner, and cleaning, which are very good things, but are busy things. Meanwhile, Mary sits in the company of Jesus. When Martha asks Jesus to tell her to work too, He tells her that, “Mary has chosen what is better.” Jesus is trying to tell us to live in the moment. It is great that you are willing to be like Martha, and make sure that all the popcorn is strung up, but it is not worth missing the opportunity to have a real conversation with a family member you don’t see often, or when your child’s face lights up because Santa indeed got that letter and delivered exactly what they asked for. It is not about all that we must do, the list of things we have check off, but it is all about the moment. This year don’t miss out on what is better. Take the opportunity to enjoy the time you have with friends and family. Take time not to worry about the things you must do, but to enjoy the people you get to be with. Be present where you are, because that is what is better, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!