Luke 10:38-42 - Who's ready for Christmas?

Who's ready for Christmas? 

Don't forget the Christmas ads, Christmas shopping, Christmas fund raisers,  Christmas wrapping paper, Christmas greetings (by whatever medium you choose), Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, Christmas cooking, Christmas baking, Christmas candy, Christmas movies, Christmas parties, Christmas programs, Christmas travel, Christmas caroling... and of course, Christmas church services.

Holiday comes from the term Holy Day. How ironic!

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38–42, New Living Translation

As I've noted before, the task--fixing dinner--pulled Martha away from the reason for the task: sharing a meal with Jesus. (See March 18, 2021 - Luke 10:38-42 - Uptight around Jesus )

Christians complain that the world wants to take "Christ out of Christmas," and then we smother the Light of the world with all our planning and preparations.

Not only Jesus is smothered. We become so anxious to create a perfect holiday with family and friends that the relationships are drowned out by the preparations. Have you ever found yourself grousing like Martha, that someone should be helping you out? I have!

Who's ready for Christmas?

Jesus, bring us back to our senses.
Restore the simplicity of:
One Baby
in one Manger
on one Holy Night.
Amen.

Photo: Making Swedish meatballs with my son, 2016. And yes, we enjoyed doing it together!