Day 3: Time With Christ

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

When I was a young lad, I anticipated the morning of Christmas. I don't know why, but every Christmas I would always awake up really early in the morning with enough energy to play a game of soccer before we even got to the Christmas tree. I dare not look at the presents until my parents were awake (my mom would tell me how disappointed she would be if I had even thought about doing that) so I would wake my parents first. After they were awake it was fair game, unless I had to wait for them to use the restroom and catch their breaths before entering the living room where the tree was displayed. It was a magical time because there were so many presents to see and so much care to be had. My dad wasn't usually a very festive person, but on this day he was somewhat managed.

Years later, I have my own kid, and my own life. These traditions I experienced when I was younger are not the same ones I properly share today with my family. I felt terrible with the thought that I had to somehow own up to the excitement and gifts that were given to me as a young boy during Christmas, but that would cost money I did not have, and that would leave a feeling of desperation, of unmet expectations. My daughter would not experience Christmas like I did. She would not long to wait for presents like I had. She would not be crushed with the idea that Santa Clause was the reason for the season and the gifts were to represent how "good" she has been. (Note: I'm not against the Santa Clause thing, so don't get offended here.)

We celebrate the season with the idea of Christ as the forerunner. He is the reason we love to get up early. He is the reason we anticipate the gifts under the tree. He is the reason we get to experience such a blessing of life and family and time together. Don't let the busyness of the season keep you from doing what the most important thing to do is, worship Christ. You can be careful for a great deal of things, but in the end it won't matter how much work you have done (Martha), it will only matter how much time you spent with Christ (Mary).