Opening Our Hearts

December 14, 2008

Opening Our Hearts

Advent is a time for preparing. A time of getting ready to welcome our Lord into our lives and our hearts. But are we ready?

Once we have cleared away the clutter of our own lives and have made straight the highway to God what then? I am reminded of the story of Martha and Mary. They both welcome the Lord in different ways:

As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." (Lk 10:38-42)

Mary welcomed Jesus with her heart while Martha welcomed Jesus by providing all that a “proper” hostess should do. Are you a Martha or Mary? Are you like Martha and get very caught up in providing your guests with the perfect meal, the perfect house, doing all you are “supposed” to do? Or are you like Mary, dropping everything to enjoy your guest’s company? Which is more welcoming?

There will be many people on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day coming to our house of worship. Many will be entering the church after being away since last Easter. Let us take the time this Advent and Christmas and make a special effort to welcome those persons who have not yet seen clear their pathway to God. At our Christmas services this year take a little time to welcome someone you have never met… you never know what a few kind words may mean to a person. As we travel our highway to God we will meet many on the road. Let us open our hearts to all. God Bless – Holly Clark