Over the course of the last few months living in Wisconsin, I have been driving to and from the office from Waupaca, about a 45-minute trek each way. Although it is never my favorite hour and a half of the day, the drive has allowed me to listen to podcasts from some great preachers. This week I was listening to one of my favorites as he was guiding his church (like many across the world) through this holiday season. As he said, “We’re going to be opening our Bibles to Luke…” I was sure I knew his exact destination. Everyone references chapter 2 of Luke to read the Christmas story, but on this particular morning, this pastor threw one of the most inspiring curveballs my way that I had ever encountered. He finished his sentence with “… Luke, chapter 10, verse 38.” The story of Mary and Martha? Really? For Christmas? Yet, as he continued, it was absolute perfection!

To summarize Luke 10:38-42, Jesus and his disciples stopped by Martha’s house for dinner. She was cleaning and cooking like crazy to show her gratitude, but her sister Mary, who I’m sure was recruited to help, bailed on her and just hung out with Jesus leaving all the work for Martha! Prompted by Martha’s complaining, Jesus used the moment to teach a valuable lesson on priorities. He said in verses 41-42, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus’ message was clear, and it is that same message that rings true for all of us during Christmastime. There are many things we “have” to be doing – family coming to town or traveling to visit family, Christmas cards to send, presents to purchase, meals to prepare, homes to clean, decorate and clean again. Add all of these extra activities on top of the normal day-to-day activities, and where does that leave us? While many of the holiday traditions are wonderful, Jesus never asked us to show the love of God to others though our hard work, or to prove our love for Him by filling all of our time with business. Jesus wants our best; He wants our quality time.

I’m married to a woman whose “love language” is quality time. As I strive to meet her needs, I am also learning more about my relationship with God. Sometimes the greatest gifts are those that cannot be purchased and wrapped. Sometimes the greatest gifts you can give are the gifts of a clear calendar and undivided attention. This year I encourage you not to just give God his normal 15-minute devotional time, but to sit at His feet for a while. That is a gift that can never be taken away, and one that will never goes out of style.