Christmas is coming
You see it everywhere you look these days.
But…
It’s not a “Merry Christmas”
I am wishing for you!
It’s a “Mary Christmas!”
That’s in contrast to a “Martha Christmas!”
Luke 10:38-42
New International Version
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Are You Mary or Martha?
If I am not totally aware,
it is easy for me to fall into the Martha role.
Company is coming!
I love entertaining.
But, if I am busy being Martha,
I find at the end of the evening
I didn’t engage
in a meaningful conversation
with anyone!
“Oh, Jan, Jan!” Jesus would say to me,
“prepare for your guests in advance,
so when they come,
you can sit down
and enjoy their company!”
But what if guests pop in unexpected?
Should I be the Mary who lets Martha do all the work?
Surely there is a happy medium here somewhere!
Work or Shirk?
If company pops in unexpected,
drop everything and enjoy the surprise!
They didn’t come to see your house.
They probably didn’t come to eat your food.
They are there to see you!
So it’s not a question of work or shirk!
Put on a smirk –
take off the apron –
set aside the work!
If you convince them to stay
and enjoy a snack or a meal with you,
invite them in to your kitchen
and continue to enjoy one another
as you fix up some goodies together!
‘Tis the season to enjoy the love of company –
‘Tis the season to spread the joy
and remember the reason for the season.
It ain’t stressin’ yourself out with
decorating, shopping, gift-wrapping,
and
entertaining like Martha!
It’s Mary –
the Christ Child –
the simplicity of the stable –
the spontaneity of good friends –
and the Good News!
Have yourself a Mary Christmas!
Love to you…
Pop in – and sit awhile!
Let’s listen to some relaxing Christmas music
and have a cup o’ tea or hot cocoa!
Hugs,
JanBeek
JanBeek 
Comments on: "Embrace Mary" (18)
I’ll sit with you my friend and be a Mary! I love your writing and inspiration. You give us so much to think about. God desires us to sit in his presence indeed! Sip
Sip hooray! ☕️ ❤️💛❣️💕🙏🏻
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Look under Derrick’s comment for my response to you. Don’t know why it posted there!!
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Such a very sound message X
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Sip, sip hooray, indeed! (You’re so clever!) Happy Thursday, dear {{{Karla}}} – I feel your presence ❤ ❤
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I’m so glad, Jan! I feel yours too! I thought that phrase had a ring to it! 🎶🥰❣️❤️💛
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Hi Derrick… don’t know why Karlas message showed up under your comment! Anyway, thank you for reading, for visiting with me a bit, and for taking time to comment. I send you my love this day… Have a happy one! ❤ Hugs to you & Jackie ❤
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X
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Nicely done – love Dale Evans and her quote. Have you read her book, Angel Unaware ?
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I have not read Dale Evan’s book. Thanks for the tip. Next time I go to the library, I’ll see if they have it.
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Very nice. Good word for the day. That is why I picked the Father’s Feet for the name of my blog home. I wanted us to sit and learn at His feet. Very touching post. Have a ‘Mary’ Christmas indeed! Hugs. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
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I figured it might resonate with you, {{{Donna}}}.. bless you! ♥️ And, let’s sit at his feet together, ok?
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Hugs ❤
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Oh Jan… I have missed your wisdom…. So loved that internal dialogue my friend… We just need to find the right balance in everything… great post and pictures, and Have yourself a very Mary Christmas…. ❤
Much love.. ❤
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Welcome back, Sue! Thank you for your comment. God bless you! A very Merry Christmas to you, too! ❤
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Hi Jan, I’m Fairy Queen and I’m writing to you from Italy. In this period of restlessness and suffering, I believe that good company is important and that we should rediscover the little good things in life. I believe it is good to spend time with those we love and with those who make us happy. Serenity and peace to you 🌼🌹💐🌺🌸🌼
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Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking time to write such a lovely response. How fun that you are from Italy. My paternal grandparents were from Italy: DeAngelis (DeAngeles). Bob & I have visited Italy on two occasions. We stayed in a wonderful little village (Monteccio) in Tuscany. Such happy memories. Another trip we toured from Switzerland going into Venice, Fiorenza and Pisa. In what part of Italy are you?
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I do love this blog and the reminder that we need to relax and enjoy the company of those around us.
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Thanks Lainalainalaina … we definitely plan to do that!! ❤ ❤
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