A Christmas lesson with Mary and Martha

Hello Fellow Bloggers and Readers,

  I am sorry it has been such a long time since my last post. On the long list of things I must and/or want to accomplish, blogging is usually at the end of the list. I wish it wasn't, but certain things, such as devotions, school, eating and sleeping must come first, and then youth group, church and friends, and then the hustle and bustle of this time of year--which doesn't leave a whole lot of time to do other things, such as sitting down and writing something worth reading and posting to 'Bloggin' by Mikayla'. Okay, so enough of me rambling on. You certainly didn't stop by to read about my schedule. ;)


  So now, what to post about that will make you glad you took the time to stop by. Hmm. 

  How about another some-what random post with alot of rabbit-trails and topics? That seems like the only kind of post I can write. My apologies in advance.

   I always have this writing block when I try to write something others will read. I can write pages and pages in my journal, but that is because no one else will ever read it--thankfully! :) I don't have 'Spell Check' in my journal. 

  Well, how about the obvious--Christmas!! :) I'm sure excited!! Only 16 days away. 
  
  One of my very favorite parts of Christmas is the time I get to spend with my family. My Dad is off work for a week or two, I don't have school, and there's plenty of time to hang out together and play board games, create new traditions, and concoct some new goodies in the kitchen. :)

  I would love it if you commented with your favorite Christmas
tradition. 

  I would have to say mine is spending Christmas eve with my Grandparents on my Mom's side, and Christmas morning with my parents and brother, and the Christmas afternoon with my family on my Dad's side. Lot's of fun, food and presents! I am so thankful to have such great family and
friends to spend the holidays with.

  But let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas! Everywhere I go, now that it is so near the 25th, I see more and more frantic parents rushing around the toy section of Target and parents of teenagers stressing out of the price of all the electronic gizmos that are added to the 'Letters to Santa'. More credit cards being maxed out, stressed-out shoppers racing for the last 'Super toy' and store employees wishing they could just go home.
 
  Is this the way the season is supposed to be? Frantic stress because there is so much to do before the in-laws come to town? Anger at the people who are trying to relax and enjoy the season while you are rushing around to everything yourself?
  
  It all reminds me of the story in the Bible (Luke 10) about Mary and Martha. I know you all have probably heard the story many times, but don't turn me off or exit out yet. I hope this will mean something to you.

   Martha represents everyone trying to get ready for Christmas. She rushes around, trying to get all her shopping, cooking and decorating done before family and friends arrive. She really would appreciate the help of her sister, Mary.

    But Mary is content where she is. She is sitting at Jesus's feet, concentrating on the words he is speaking, learning from Him. She is everyone that is making the most of the Christmas season, and focusing on God, not on presents and preparations. 

   Martha is frustrated, because her 'TO DO' list just seems to be growing longer and longer, and Mary isn't helping her out a bit. So she goes into the living room where Mary and Jesus are and says, "Lord, isn't Mary supposed to be helping me bake cookies and wrap presents and finish shopping? She is being lazy, leaving me to do all the work!"

    But Jesus says,

     "Martha, your sister is concentrating on the real meaning on the season. Stop rushing around so, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Focus on me, Martha."

Aren't we all 'Marthas' around Christmas? All we focus on is getting everything done. We forget why we even HAVE Christmas!!

So just think about that in the remaining days until December 25th. 

Let's all be more like Mary. Slow down and listen to what God has to tell us this Christmas season. 

Jesus is the reason for the season! Never forget, my friends! :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Mikayla

-- The humble shall see their God at work for them. No wonder they will be so glad! All who seek for God shall live in joy. Psalm 69:32