Opening Prayer

Lord, my soul waits for you. Help me to settle and trust that this time of prayer will renew and enlighten me as I listen to your word with hope.

Scripture

Luke 10:38-42, Mary and Martha

Now, as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection

According to verse 41 of this passage. We see Jesus saying to Martha that what she chose led her to be “anxious and troubled about many things” It reminds me of a time many years ago when I was expecting a baby around Christmas, and I found it all a bit stressful with all the preparations and shopping to do. I had five children at the time and all believing in Santa Claus. My husband said to me like Jesus, “don’t stress yourself about shopping for the presents, as I will do it”. This would have been very unusual as I always did the organising and shopping. In this case, I was more like Martha. Anyway, I took him at his word, and my baby was born on the 23^rd of December. Not surprisingly, there were no Santa Claus presents bought, and their mother was in a hospital bed. Frantically my husband went into the shops on Christmas Eve, and to his delight, a lot of them were at half price. Thankfully, it was a different time, and they were of an age that they were not fussy about what they got. So, there was relief and joy all around when they came to see me in the hospital on Christmas Day. My husband, who likes to take a back seat, was moved to act while I, the usual busy one, was able to relax as much as possible. I could then bring a child into the world without undue stress. 

The Mary and Martha story serves as a reminder to find balance in our lives. Our time spent in deepening our relationship with God will help us navigate what we have to do to enjoy this Advent, instead of getting caught up in the pressure of unnecessary activities.

Reflection Prayer

Lord, calm my anxious heart and help me find balance in this busy season.
Teach me when to act and when to be still with you.
May my prayer flow into loving action, and my actions lead me back to prayer.
Help me to rest and enjoy your presence in everyone this Christmas.

Concluding Prayer       

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.