A Mary Christmas or a Martha Christmas

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving…” — Luke 10:39-40 (KJV)

After nearly forty years in ministry, I’m still amazed at how God can take a familiar passage and reveal something fresh—something that settles into the heart at just the right moment. My hope is that this reflection helps you step into the Christmas season with renewed peace, purpose, and perspective. Whether we’re still months out or already hanging wreaths, now is always the right time to prepare our hearts to savor the beauty of Christ’s birth.

Rediscovering the True Meaning of the Holiday Season

Every year, we rush into December with lists, plans, oven timers, decorations, and an unspoken pressure to make everything just right. In the flurry, we can forget why we’re celebrating and Who this celebration is truly for. For many of us, the season turns into a cycle of overeating, overspending, overdoing, and then oversleeping in a sugar coma—especially for those of us who know better but can’t resist the candy dish. Next year, half the gifts will be forgotten, the decorations boxed away, and the credit card statement will still be preaching a hard truth.

So why do we let ourselves get swept up in the noise? Because habits are powerful. Expectations creep in. And sometimes, we slip into a Martha mindset—busy, burdened, and determined to make everything “perfect.”

Balancing Joy & Pressure During the Holidays

There’s nothing inherently wrong with planning, hosting, cooking, wrapping, or making beautiful memories. For some, those acts are part of their joy. But for others, the pressure becomes so heavy that the whole season feels like a chore rather than a celebration.

Mary chose differently. She set aside the busyness and sat at Jesus’ feet. She chose presence over pressure. Connection over chaos. Worship over worry. And Jesus said she had “chosen the good part,” something that could not be taken away.

So here’s the question:

What kind of Christmas will you have?

Will you rush through the season, “cumbered about with much serving,” or will you pause long enough to behold the wonder of God’s gift—His Son, freely given, lovingly offered, undeserved and unmatched?

Finding Grace in Everyday Moments

Somewhere in the coming days, I pray you take even a single moment to notice the sparkle in a child’s eyes, the warmth of a shared meal, or the quiet stillness of a winter morning. These glimpses of goodness point us back to the One who gave us the greatest gift of all.

Each year, when I see children on Christmas morning, I’m reminded of the joy I first felt when I received God’s gift of salvation—a gift purchased at Calvary, wrapped in grace, and given with love. That joy is part of “the good portion,” and the Lord has promised it will not be taken away.

So I ask you again:

Will you have a Mary Christmas or a Martha Christmas this year?

Which one will you choose?

---

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Help me slow down long enough to sit at Your feet and hear Your word.

In the middle of the plans, the pressures, and the traditions,

teach me to choose “the good part” that cannot be taken away.

Fill my heart with wonder, gratitude, and joy as I remember Your birth

and celebrate the gift of salvation You freely gave.

Guard my spirit from distraction,

and guide me into a Christmas shaped not by stress but by Your peace.

Amen.

Your Turn

Take a few minutes to reflect and write:

1. Where am I acting more like Martha this season?

   What tasks or expectations are weighing me down?

2. Where is God inviting me to slow down and listen like Mary?

3. What is one practical change I can make this week to choose “the good part”?

4. Whom can I bless—not with a perfect Christmas, but with a peaceful presence?

5. What gift from God am I most grateful for this year?