Luke 10:38-42  (NLT)

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
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.”

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” or so we’re told. 

Every year, no matter how early we start celebrating, there’s never enough time to fit everything in. With small group outings, work parties, school pageants, family gatherings, church services, and all the other activities we “must do,” Christmas can seem more like a nightmare than a dream. We can find ourselves so busy doing Christmas we forget to enjoy Christmas. 

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus and His disciples stop at Mary and Martha’s home for dinner. Luke 10:40 says, “Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.”

Can’t you see Martha running around? Making sure the table settings were just so, checking the food, doing all the things you do when someone important comes over for dinner. Martha was busy trying to make it all happen. Meanwhile, the person Christmas is all about was sitting in her house. 

It isn’t wrong to want things done well. It isn’t wrong to make preparations to entertain friends, coworkers, or family for the holidays. Problems arise when we mistake our preparation in proximity to Jesus for true intimacy with Him. Pretty soon, it can feel like we’re on the outside looking in. 

Martha got so distracted and busy doing things for Jesus that she wasn’t spending time with Him. “Mary has chosen what is better,” is not a knock on Martha. It’s an invitation to Martha to slow down and be with Him.

Maybe you’re like Martha rushing around your house every Christmas. If so, Jesus’ invitation is for you. But maybe you know a Martha — a sibling, coworker, or friend being crushed by their own expectations. Maybe the best gift you could give that person this holiday season is an invitation to take a step in.

This Christmas season, let’s not settle for making the party happen. Let’s be part of the party — let’s enjoy His presence and invite others to join us.  

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