“Mary treasured up all these things (about Jesus), pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! But only one thing really matters, and Mary chose it” (Luke 10:41-42).
Lord Jesus, it’s Monday of “Christmas week.” With much yet to be done, help us choose Mary’s pondering over Martha’s scurrying. For you aren’t just the “reason-for-the-season,” but the meaning, center, and joy of our very existence.
May the “good news of great joy” of who you are take precedence over every other attention-grabbing, heart-preoccupying storyline. We’ve made our plans, but we gladly say, “Have your way, Jesus.” When the Gospel is in play, it’s always more welcoming, awesome, messier, and satisfying than anything we can generate on our own.
Whether our family gathering this year takes on the dynamics of a “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” or “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” as long as you are there, “Hallelujah!,” and pass the eggnog and fruitcake.
Grant us mercy for our prodigals, grace in our brokenness, and compassion for everyone. From your manger to your cross, and now from the throne of grace, you attracted shepherds and angels, the brokenhearted and “pig-headed,” good Samaritans and bad characters, lepers and liars, tax collectors up a tree (Zacchaeus) and Pharisees in the dark (Nicodemus)… just to name a few.
Jesus, may we find great joy this week in loving and serving whoever’s in front of us. Free us from “needing” anybody or anything to be different. You are Immanuel—with us and for us, and that’s all that matters. So Very Amen.