THE GREATEST GIFT

Sermon Notes, November 25, 2012

Pastor Gary Smith

Rev. Gary Smith’s sermon was titled “The Greatest Gift,” from Luke 10:38-42, the story of Jesus having dinner at Martha and Mary’s home.  He urged us to “Have a Mary Christmas, not a Martha one.”  How can we experience a true celebration of Christmas?  Simeon did: he was promised that he would see the coming of the Lord, and he lived every day wondering “Will today be the day He comes?” 

Some things are great; others are greater.  To avoid a Martha Christmas, examine; “How do you spend your time?”  Martha did nothing wrong—she was a detail- oriented person.  Verse 40 tells us she was distracted by preparations.  The King James Version says she was “cumbered about much serving.”  Cumbered means agitated, distressed; tied in knots.  Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her.  Jesus called her by name, twice.  He told her she was worried and upset about many things, (worry: when your mind is going in many directions at once) but only one thing was needed, and Mary had chosen the greater thing.

Embrace Christmas: prioritize your activities.  “How can you spend your time?”  Jesus encouraged Mary to keep doing what she was doing, sitting at His feet, listening to His word (v. 39).  That could not be taken away from her. (v.42)

Experience Christmas.  “How will you spend your time?”  Give Him your time, choose what is greater.  Mary’s faith was built by sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him.  Ours can be too.

How will Christmas 2012 be different?  Look at how God has blessed us with His Son.  He is the Greatest Gift.  Sit at Jesus’ feet; listen to His word.  Don't let Christmas slip by you: don’t be cumbered, tied in knots, agitated, or neglectful of the better.  Let Him be the Lord of preparation, the Messiah of all our affairs.