I think it is safe to say that most of us have calendars and to-do lists that are full. During the holiday season we may see a drop-off in work-related meetings but they are replaced with Christmas parties and social engagements that for the most part are scheduled out of obligation and not desire for connection. Buying gifts, ordering and sending Christmas cards, setting up family gatherings, and planning travel to see distant relatives all culminate during the last month of the year creating chaos out of our already busy lives.

As these schedules and task lists grow, it becomes easy to be distracted from the purpose of celebrating Christmas. This is displayed wonderfully in Luke’s story of sisters Mary and Martha. Jesus and His disciples are traveling and enter a village where Martha asked them to come into her home- basically inviting them to a last minute dinner party. If her home was anything like most homes of the day, it was a one-room dwelling where cooking, sleeping, and hosting all took place in one area. Imagine what it would be like to have thirteen last-minute guests in your home and the need to prepare a meal.

Martha was busy with all of the preparations of cooking and making everyone feel welcome. Can you imagine the noise and bustle? I know when we have two or three couples over it is very easy to become overstimulated and difficult to carry on complete conversations while being a “good host”. (I say all of this recognizing that my wife does most of the preparation and work for these events.) Many of the “Marthas” out there would argue that if they did not prepare the meal and get everything just right the party would not be a success. But getting everything “just right” doesn’t need to be the goal. Choosing to bask in His presence should be the goal.

Martha went to Jesus (God Himself) and asked Him to tell her sister to help. He then told Martha that she should not be so anxious and troubled about things, especially about making things elaborate. He told her that Mary wanted to listen intently and understand His teachings. This is evident by her positioning herself at His feet. Again, imagine a busy room with the clamor of noisy conversation, clanging of pots, crackling of firewood, and (most likely) the din of farm animals just outside. Mary CHOSE to put herself at the feet of Jesus to listen to Him teach. She wanted to hear and understand what He was saying. She was focused on what was important.

Many times, we forget that the most important presents we will give or receive during the holiday season are the gifts of His presence. Whether through meaningful conversations with family, time spent with friends, or time alone spent reflecting, we need to realize what is important. And then we need to focus on that. All of the busyness and commotion of the season is meaningless without recognizing that we are meant to focus on Him and His purpose for use and that is what we celebrate.

For those who celebrate the season only and not the birth of our Lord, they can have the commotion. They can focus on the hubbub and the whirlwind of last minute shopping and scheduling. I choose to focus on the gifts He has given me through family, close friends, freedom, and assurance. I choose to spend time connecting with those things that matter to Him. I choose meaningful conversations with warm embraces. I choose reflection on the opportunities I have been given and search for direction in the best usage of my remaining time. I know what is important for me and pray that I don’t lose that focus. I chose to sit at His feet with Mary and listen. Do you care to join us?