“You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” — Jesus (Luke 10:41-42)

It’s the most wonderful (and the busiest) time of the year! Christmas programs, Advent boxes, caroling, service projects, lessons, classroom decorating, crafts, volunteer gifts, staff parties—and this is only our task list for church! It is easy to run around in a hundred different directions and totally miss what is really needed: the opportunity to worship the King.

We always have the call to choose worship over worry, but there are some seasons (read: CHRISTMAS) when this choice is extra challenging! Today, we will check out a couple of instances in Scripture where we see people choosing worship over worry—and they both happen to share the name, Mary.

Luke 10:38-42 – Jesus Visits the Home of Mary and Martha

We have all heard this story of Martha, doing ALL the things. Scripture says she “was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (Luke 10:40). (I’ve been there!) Her sister Mary, however, chose the better thing: to sit at the feet of Jesus.

Many of us in ministry may struggle with this story and feel more like Martha than Mary. But let me encourage you—I don’t think Mary was always sitting. I am sure she had busy times and helped her sister a lot, as was the expectation for women of that time. But when the King was in the room, there was nothing more important than being still in that moment and soaking in His presence.

How can we apply this lesson in our ministry? Of course, we have jobs to do, but we can be on the lookout for His presence. When He comes (which He always does), don’t rush the moment. Sit in it. Sing another verse of that worship song, pray a little longer, and hold that baby a little closer. Recognize His presence and choose to worship.

Luke 1:26-56 – An Angel Visits Mary

The second Mary we are looking at today is the mother of Jesus. Imagine this: you’re a teenage girl, and an angel appears in your room and says you are going to have a baby. Questions flood your mind: How?! What will people think? How can I provide? What will my parents say? Now place yourself 2,000 years ago in a Jewish community where, according to the Law, you could be STONED! The Bible says Mary was “troubled at [the angel’s] words” (Luke 1:29). I think that is probably putting it mildly. BUT she heard the angel out and made a choice—the choice to worship rather than worry. Her final words to the angel were, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Then, after visiting her encouraging cousin Elizabeth, she literally burst into a song of worship.

How can we apply this to ministry? We have a calling too, and it can be daunting. Insecurities, uncertainties, and challenges weigh on us, especially during busy seasons. But we can trust in God’s wisdom and faithfulness and choose to worship when called upon by the Lord. Why? “For no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37).

A Choice Amid the Christmas Craziness

So, amid the Christmas craziness, we have a choice, friends. We can worry about many things, or we can sit at the feet of Jesus, trusting God’s call on our lives, and choose to worship because He is WORTHY. Let’s make Mary’s song our song:

“My soul glorifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.”

(Luke 1:46-49)

Annie Double has been a Kid's Ministry Director for the past 13 years at Judson Road Christian Church in Kokomo, Indiana. Annie loves traveling with her family, snuggling her little dog Charlie, and serving with the best team ever.