CHILL MARTHA!!

Christmas time is wonderful. It is a time of memories and sometimes immense sadness when we have
recently a lost loved ones. For many it is dreaded each year due to all the hype and mandatory things
they feel they need to do.

First off, it is Jesus' birthday celebration, pure, plain, and simple. No need to attend umpteenth million cantatas or plays, put up lighting displays, mail out 100 plus cards, have an open house, and bake oodles of cookies and gingerbread men if it is only going to take away the true meaning and joy of this wonderful time of year. Keep your focus on one thing and that is about the birth of a baby in a manger.

Parents of young ones could take this time to stop the gimme monster and turn the celebration into
Jesus' birthday party. Share with others instead of heaping many unwanted and unused things upon
yourself.

This time of year and hearing stories of frazzled nerves reminded me of the story of Mary and Martha
in Luke 10:38-42 which says in verses 41 and 42 '"Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are
worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Martha could just not relax because of all the preparations she thought were vitally important. Jesus just wanted her company.

How about you? Do you need to just "chill" and sit in God's presence?

PRAYER: This is an exciting time of year but I can tend to focus on the wrong things. Help me Lord as I seek to stop shopping til I drop and instead to drop down at your feet and worship you. In Jesus' name. Amen.