“There has fallen on earth for a token, a god too great for the sky.” – G.K. Chesterton

There once were two sisters, you’ve most likely heard of them. The name of the first was Martha, and she owned a house. The second, younger sister’s name was Mary. In an amazing moment, the Christ came to their house, and while Mary sat at his feet, Martha bustled around the kitchen preparing things. Eventually Martha got upset and asked the Lord whether he cared that Mary had left her alone to serve. Jesus replied, “… Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

There is a time and a place to be like Martha. With finals right around the corner, and Christmas just visible in the distance, it is often necessary that we bustle around. We must study for hours on end, run to local shops to buy Christmas gifts and prepare our lives for the coming holiday. Yet amidst the tinsel and Christmas carols, let us not become swept away. We must seek to celebrate something much greater than a baby in a manger or even the birthday of the baby Jesus. We must strive to remember that the God who, as Chesterton says, “has burst out of all things and broken the bounds of eternity,” has done so not because he felt we should have something to celebrate. He did so because we were lost.

We were lost without the beautiful savior who became the lowest of the low so that we might have a chance of reconciliation with the father who loves us. Problem is, it’s easy to forget these central truths in the rush of the Christmas season. The question then becomes, how do we have the attitude and focus of Mary in a world which constantly puts pressure on us to be Martha. The answer is not simple; it is difficult. The answer is to surround oneself with the teachings and thoughts and ideas which are present within Christ’s message. This sounds so cliché – how can it be made applicable?

The best way to become wrapped up in the ideas of Christ is to remove the distractions that could take away from this focus. Maybe this Christmas season it’s time to put away the iPod or TV and listen to the silence that envelops us. This may involve stopping your current activity and merely sitting – an activity which can be difficult. However, although the path is difficult, it is worthwhile. After all, the great King David laid himself down beside still waters in order that his soul might become restored. This Christmas, clear your schedule, stop, listen for the music of the stars, delve deep within the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and give glory that is due to God in the highest.