Let’s be honest. December can be exhausting. It’s the time of year when we find ourselves juggling our already busy lives with a whirlwind of never-ending lists, social obligations and the pressure to make the Christmas season picture-perfect. By the time Dec. 25 arrives, we’re often too drained to truly enjoy it. Amid all the hustle and bustle, it’s important that we do not lose sight of the true reason for the season.
In Luke 10:38-42, we are introduced to two sisters who could easily live in our modern world. Martha welcomes Jesus into her home but quickly becomes overwhelmed by all the chores that need to be done. Mary, on the other hand, simply sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. When Martha complains, Jesus gently reminds her that “Mary has chosen the better part.”
That’s not to say Martha was doing anything wrong. Her service was good, and it was necessary. But in her haste to get things done, she lost sight of what mattered most. Like Martha, we can become so busy preparing our homes for Christmas that we forget to prepare our hearts for the arrival of the guest of honor – Jesus.
According to Busted Halo, “If you’re sick of Christmas by December 25, you haven’t done Advent correctly.” Their video, “Advent in 2 Minutes,” (bustedhalo.com/video/watch-advent-two-minutes) reminds us that Advent isn’t a race to Christmas. Rather, it’s a sacred season of joyful anticipation, preparation and hope. Advent invites us to focus not just on doing, like Martha, but also on being with Jesus, like Mary.
Some simple ways families can make the weeks leading up to Christmas more meaningful:
· When you’re Christmas shopping… Buy an extra gift for a local toy drive, parish giving tree or family in need.
· When you’re writing Christmas cards… Have your family make or sign a few extra to send to nursing homes, hospitals or military men and women serving overseas.
· When you’re baking holiday treats… Double the recipe and deliver cookies or bread to a neighbor, parish staff or local charity.
· When you’re decorating your home… Take a moment to pray as you place each piece of the Nativity set. Leave the manger empty until Christmas morning to help your children experience the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. When they wake up, have them prayerfully place Jesus in the manger before opening gifts.
· When you’re wrapping gifts… Pray for the person who will receive each one. Talk as a family about the importance of giving and the joy of generosity.
· When you’re counting down the days to Christmas… Use an Advent calendar that focuses on daily acts of kindness or prayer instead of candy. Read from the Gospel of Luke in the days leading up to Christmas to help your family better understand the importance of the day.
These simple activities help us shift our focus from getting things done to sharing Christ’s love. As parents, it’s easy to feel like Martha during the Christmas season, pulled in a million different directions, trying to make everything perfect for our families. But Jesus gently reminds us, as He reminded Martha “only one thing is necessary.”
Like Mary, we are called to pause and choose what matters most. Advent is not about doing more; it’s about doing what we already do with greater intention, love, and faith. That’s the greatest gift you can give yourself and those around you. Merry Christmas and God bless!
Kerry Wyrovsky is the religion coordinator in St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft.
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.