Having a “Mary” Christmas Part 3 of 3

3) Mary was concerned about the Eternal Things….Martha the Earthly things.
Notice this expression at the end of verse 42. When the meal is done, and the dishes are cleaned and all the decorations are put away…what will be remembered. What do you remember about last year?

I remember last year we had our Christmas musical drama…I remember last year we went caroling at the nursing home. But I could not tell you what we had for dinner at the fellowship or what we ate after the nursing home…but I remember the interaction with the people.

Notice the Lord’s rebuke of her in verse 41…that word careful means “anxious” Doesn’t the scripture tell us in Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Not only that, but the anxiety was causing her to be troubled, disturbed, in a bad mood. Let me ask you something…this Christmas…all the things that you have invested your time and money in…are they strictly earthly things? Or do they have eternal value. The answer to that question determines if we are having a Mary Christmas or not. In the book of Revelation, we are given the insight into a church that has taken the Martha approach to ministry.

(Revelation 2:2) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
(Revelation 2:3) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
(Revelation 2:4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Let’s remind someone that this season is all about a Virgin who gave birth to a child called Emmanuel which means “God with us”…

Turn with me please to Luke 1:76…here Zacharias is speaking prophetically…first about his son John the Baptist…then about the message that John will bring…his ministry…

My prayer for your family and mine is that we will not only have a Merry Christmas…a holiday that is full of joy and happiness….but also a Mary Christmas…a Holiday that is focused on the person of Christ.