The Chaos of Christmas

Have you ever been in the middle of something that felt like chaos? Maybe it was in a crowded store with lots of stressed-out shoppers and employees. Maybe it was in a classroom with a group of loud kids. Maybe it was at a sporting event when there were lots of players, coaches, referees, and fans all yelling at the same time.

I remember working at a Starbucks, in a mall, on Black Friday. There were too many of us for comfort behind the counter, way too many sleep-deprived people in a never-ending line for caffeine, not enough registers for ringing, only one food oven and espresso machine, and not enough time to make all of the drinks and food every single person wanted. This, my friend, is what chaos looks like.

The dictionary definition of chaos is: -complete confusion and disorder: a state in which behavior and events are not controlled by anything

As the Christmas season arrives, each year we set out to make sure we remember the true meaning of Christmas. Yet it doesn't take long for it to feel like Christmas has turned into complete chaos. There are decorations to be hung, presents to be bought and wrapped, end-of-semester projects and tests to work on, parties to be planned, family to figure out how to visit, cards to be sent, church gatherings to attend, movies to be watched, carols to be sung, concerts to prepare for, cookies and treats to be baked and making sure each person you know gets a little something to let them know you didn't forget them this year.

Phew… Each day leading up to Christmas can feel like "a state in which behavior and events are not controlled by anything," which leaves us feeling "complete confusion and disorder." In short, the Christmas season can feel extremely chaotic.

I don't know about you, but I don't set out each year to have Christmas feel disordered, confusing, and chaotic. So, how does it seem to end up there every year, and is there anything we can do about it?

I'm reminded of another chaotic time in the book of Luke.

While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” -Luke 10:38-42 (CSB) *emphasis added

Sisters, Martha and Mary, were also getting ready to celebrate Jesus' arrival. For them, it was in-person in their home. As they prepared to host Jesus, Luke tells us that "Martha was distracted by her many tasks," and "worried about many things." I feel like I relate to Martha's state of mind all too well. There is so much happening this time of year, and it can feel overwhelming. And, if I'm honest, many of the things I'm busy with distract me and cause me to worry.

Jesus tells her, that only "one thing is necessary," sitting "at the Lord's feet and listening to what He said." Here's what I don’t think Jesus is saying to Martha: "Don't worry about any of the things that need to be done. Just blow them all off and relax." That attitude doesn't line up with the rest of Jesus' teachings. What I do think he is saying is: "Don't let the busyness and worry cause you to miss me, the one who gives you true life and purpose. Why don't you take a pause, come sit with me, and let me refresh your soul?"

It would be a shame to miss being with Jesus because we are so busy with the many tasks that surround our celebration of His birth. So, this is my encouragement to you (and me) as the days of Christmas quickly approach… How can you intentionally pause the chaos for a bit, sit alone in the presence of Jesus and His Word, and just be with Him? Jesus said that when Mary did this, it was "the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." I believe when we make that same choice the deepening of our relationship with Jesus will not be taken away from us as well.