The Mary-Martha tension for women of God is never more challenging than during the Christmas season. We long to be worshipful and abide in Christ, our Prince of Peace, but in the frenzy of too-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it-in, life often feels more chaotic than peaceful.

Here’s my guilty confession: I am a Martha at heart. (Isn’t confession the first step towards healing?)

But here’s what I also believe: Martha wasn’t criticized for cooking the meal—those present, including Jesus, were hungry and needed to eat!—but rather for her mindset … or perhaps I should say, her heartset. Martha adopted a martyr attitude, instead of one that was Christ-centered.

The meal can be cooked with joy.

The task can be completed with praise.

We can listen and sing and pray, while we wrap and cook and decorate.

We can multi-task, ladies! We do it all the time. And Christmas is the season for us to take that skill and hone it.

It’s tempting to default to an Eeyore attitude and feel sorry for ourselves. But that’s not Eeyore whispering in our ear; it’s the evil one who wants to steal our joy. Don’t let him do it. When he whispers, “You have to do everything. Christmas wouldn’t happen without you. All this wrapping and baking is all on you,” we can choose to respond by proclaiming, “Lord, thank you for the joy of having people to love on and gifts to wrap!”

I’ve decided to no longer deny who I am:  a plate-spinning, list-making, woman on the move! I can lean into being a Martha, but by God’s grace, I can have a Mary mindset while doing it.

The danger for Marthas is to make it all about ourselves. Check your attitude, Sister Martha. This Christmas season, be sure you are doing what you do for the glory of God and to worship Jesus—after all, it is HIS birthday.

This Christmas season, be sure you are doing what you do for the glory of God and to worship Jesus—after all, it is HIS birthday. Click To Tweet

One way to help ensure you maintain that Mary mindset in your Martha world is to make time each day to abide in His Word. Our Write the Word verses for this month are designed to help you revisit the wonder of Christ’s birth. We hope they will ensure your heart and mind are in alignment with Jesus as you roll up your sleeves and delve into your many holiday tasks.

Let’s embrace both Martha and Mary as we endeavor to check off our list—and do it all with joy and devotion to our blessed Savior!

Download our list of daily verses in bookmark form, and join us as we Write The Word in December: 

Standard Bookmark - WTW: Christmas   or  Large-Print Bookmark - WTW: Christmas

An additional note from Laura:  If you are a regular reader of our blog (or even if you are not), I hope you will be sure to read my upcoming post for December 6th, Have Yourself a MARY Little Christmas. It continues the Mary-Martha theme with some practical ideas you can apply to help manage your household during this busy season.