Anxiety

 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 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.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

My granddaughter named this tree my “hoarder” tree. Perhaps this tree represents Christmas for many of us. All the wonderful things of Christmas–parties, gifts, family, helping others in need–are also the things that create anxiety.

I crowded all the ornaments that had been given to me through all the years onto one little tree. And like many, I often try to crowd as many things into the Christmas season as I can find time to do. But where in all this hustle, bustle, gathering, and giving is Jesus?

If we are troubled and overwhelmed, feeling resentful about expectations, there is a solution, and it is simple. It doesn’t cost a cent, but takes a little time. Jesus had the answer for Martha’s anxiety, and He has the answer for ours as well. Jesus invited Martha to pause from the busyness of her life to sit at His feet. Jesus invites us to sit at His feet. This is the only invitation we need this Christmas.