"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her,"
(Luke 10:41-42 NIV).
Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and worship Him, rather than help her sister in the kitchen. Although this isn't a traditional Christmas scripture, these words spoke to me as I prepared for this holiday season. "Make the better choice."
At our house the focal point in on nativities. I have several sets on display including a Fisher Price Nativity that has been on the fireplace hearth since our first grandchild was born, 26 years ago. Now my youngest grandchild is 11 1/2 so that no longer seems fitting. Instead, we have a nativity that is made of sheep at the stable, as shepherds, and as wise men.
Typically we depend on a variety of family activities to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Perhaps you will find an idea for your family to choose this year:
Attend Advent worship on Sundays
Attend special programs such as children's programs or Christmas Eve worship
Read scriptures daily until Christmas: Matthew 1:18-2:12, Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-20; and John 1:1-18.
Share family devotions at mealtime
Create a worship center focused on Jesus' birth
Play Christmas music
Create a prayer list: include shut-ins, the lonely, the grieving
Give gifts to needy families or children
Bake cookies together
Deliver plates of goodies to shut-ins in your neighborhood
Show appreciation to those who make your life better: postal persons, police officers, fire persons, pastors, teachers, bus drivers, or neighbors
Use Christian symbols on your Christmas tree
Go Christmas caroling to shut-ins
Display an outdoor nativity to remind others of Jesus this season
Attend a Christmas concert: Handel's "The Messiah" is one of my favorites
Make or choose Christian Christmas cards to send
Watch a Christmas movie
Luke's words remind us during this busy season to choose what is important: slow down and worship Jesus, our Savior. As we prepare the house and our lives for Christmas, make an effort to choose what is better. Make Christmas Holy by honoring our Savior's Birth. And this will not be taken from us.
Dearest God of Mercy and Love, we worship You and thank You for sending a little baby to teach us how to love others. Help us make better choices that bring You glory this holy season, and use us to reflect our Savior's love to others in all we do and say. Amen.
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