Devotionals for December 22, 2023
See you this weekend for Christmas at TNLC! 12/23 at 5:30pm and 12/24 at 10am, 4pm, & 5:30pm.
READ
Luke 10:38-42
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
REFLECT
As Christmas approaches the pressure increases. The hustle and bustle of the season makes it difficult to stop and enjoy each moment. Think for a moment of your Christmas party, whenever that is. As the hour nears when your guests will funnel into your home, where is your mind’s focus? Do you find yourself anxious about how they will like the food? Whether there is enough variety of soda for everyone? Etc. If you do experience this, stop and ask yourself this question: “why are these people here today?” Likely, the most logical answer is that they are here to spend time with you and enjoy fellowship. If that is the case (and it usually is), the last thing that should matter to you is whether the night is perfect.
Why? Because perfection refers to how close something comes to accomplishing its purpose. But if the purpose of the Christmas season is sharing love with others, connecting with family, and offering ourselves to others, then your party was a success the moment people agreed to come. Your food won’t be perfect. You might run out of napkins. You will probably forget one dessert item. None of that matters. Give up the Martha-like hurry, it is a “distraction,” from the real thing, the “good portion” of rest in Christ. Sit at his feet in your soul and mind and you will find yourself at rest when the time comes.
Why? Because perfection refers to how close something comes to accomplishing its purpose. But if the purpose of the Christmas season is sharing love with others, connecting with family, and offering ourselves to others, then your party was a success the moment people agreed to come. Your food won’t be perfect. You might run out of napkins. You will probably forget one dessert item. None of that matters. Give up the Martha-like hurry, it is a “distraction,” from the real thing, the “good portion” of rest in Christ. Sit at his feet in your soul and mind and you will find yourself at rest when the time comes.
APPLY
Q: What is significant about Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus with the other disciples?
Q: Where do you find yourself distracted from communion with Christ?
Q: How does this apply to evangelism?
Q: Where do you find yourself distracted from communion with Christ?
Q: How does this apply to evangelism?
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, still our hearts and give us restful minds. Amen.
Lord, still our hearts and give us restful minds. Amen.