The Miseducation of Christmas: Only One Thing is Needed

You’ve seen the commercials.  You’ve read the ads.  You’ve probably been a part of a ruthless crowd or at least one of a million cars headed to a popular shopping outlet.  I’ve tried to comprehend it because I realize how exhilarating it is, even for me, to shop til I drop or to use 2 or more coupons on one item; buying it at a price that is close to nothing.  Jyeah! The propaganda is geared toward me.  Geared toward people who love to buy when they feel they’re getting a ridiculous deal.  For people who will use any excuse to get one. more. thing.  For people who often confuse being blessed with the consumption of many things or who equate the amount of love they have with the amount of money they spend.

Although never directly instructed, I believe Christmas is a God ordained tradition that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.  He came in a manner that was hard for many to accept, but just as it was prophesied, He was the Savior of the world.  Lowly, meek, and plain.  He didn’t come to be served but to serve and to transform the hearts of all men who recognize their need for a Savior.  He instructed us to live as He lived.  He led by example and taught that the last should be first and the first should be last (Matt. 20:16).  He taught us to be merciful as He was merciful and to love others as He loved us (St. John 13:34).  So the idea to spend a month or two thinking and buying for others is actually not too far fetched.  It is, in fact, very much like Christ to slave in the kitchen for a remarkable dinner you and your family will undoubtedly enjoy.  How bad is it really to wake up early, head to mall, and shop for your friends and family until midnight; making sure to get the best deals the stores have to offer?  What could be so problematic that I would deem it necessary to write a whole blog post? 

Well the problem is addressed by Jesus when he decides to visit Mary and Martha (St. Luke 10:38-42).   The sisters were both believers in Christ and very excited for His visit but only one responded appropriately.  With the best intentions in the world, Martha grew bitter working hard in the kitchen, while Mary sat comfortably at Jesus’ feet.  Martha eventually confronted her sister, but was rebuked by Jesus who confirmed that Mary had actually chosen the right thing.  Martha was concerned about so much, but Jesus said only one thing was needed and that was the thing she neglected.  He did not scold her for cooking or for preparing the house for His visit, but to forgo the opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus could never be justified.

This Christmas I intend to do the right thing. To comfortably sit a Jesus’ feet and be thankful, not for the great deals at Macy’s, but for the Savior of my soul.  In two or three years the sweater will be faded, the shoes will be scuffed, the newest gadget will be old, and the food will be digested.  My Savior, however, will still be relevant.  He will still be a very present help.  He will still be my most constant and devoted friend.  He will still be God.  While there is nothing wrong with buying gifts and loving one another, let’s remember Jesus.  The Christ.  Let’s worship Him.  Let’s learn of Him and challenge ourselves to be more like Him, not just during this season but all year-round!

Happy Birthday Jesus!
#walkthetalk

-Sarah