Can Martha have a "Mary" Christmas ?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42.

Now before we all start slinging eggs and telling Martha how her priorities are out of whack, let's honor her side of the story. If Martha was alive today, and she was like any typical women she would freak out if she found out guest were coming. She would be washing linens, heading to the local Piggly Wiggly to stock up on groceries, and spend the rest of the day preparing for her guest by cleaning and cooking. She wants her guest to feel honored and special when they come especially since one of those honored guest was Jesus. The twenty-first century women are just like the Martha way back when. Do I think Martha was wrong ? No. I think her priorities were out of sync a bit.

If time doesn't allow us to spend time at Jesus feet which is the better, then maybe we need to change our Martha approach. Christmas is coming maybe the Martha inside of us needs to plan a little more, and do a little less. Instead of Roasted Lamb with 15 sides she serves a Roast out of the crock-pot with 2 or 3 sides. Maybe make one room in the house the catch all room that everything gets shoved in. If your choosing to spend more time prepping to serve your guest and not equivalent or more serving and sitting at the feet of Jesus, the sweet baby who was born in a dirty cold stable then the Martha side of you has won over.

As women in ministry we lead by example. If we are always being Martha then the women who serve with us and next to us will never learn to appreciate the restful, peaceful side of what's better. Simply sitting at Jesus feet; listening, honoring and cherishing the simplicity of the moments. If we choose to lead from a place of simplicity, and what really matters the women around us will get a healthy balance on how to be Mary & Martha.

This Christmas I urge you to choose what's better. Sure, things still need to be done, but choose your priorities wisely. I saw this anonymous quote somewhere and wanted to leave it with you.

"Thinking about how much time I am spending on Christmas and how much time I am spending on Christ. It is too easy for the first one to have nothing to do with the second."

So to help simplify your Christmas I am sharing a yummy simple recipe, that I acquired many Christmas's ago.

Ingredients

1 package (18 oz) Oreo cookies1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 container Chocolate Chips

Directions

* Take your oreos and place in a food processor until all all coarsely chopped.

* Add cream cheese to your oreo mixture and mix in the food processor until they are well combined.

* Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper lined on a cookie sheet.

* Place in refrigerator until firm. A few hours or overnight.

* Melt chocolate according to package directions.

* Take your balls that you have rolled and dip in the chocolate, and place on the wax paper to dry. Place back in the refrigerator, and serve them chilled.

Feel free to mix chocolates dipping some in white and some in dark chocolates. Sprinkle some reserved oreos on top if you would like. These are really rich and really yummy!