TOO STRESSED TO ENJOY
By Dr. Jeff Lee

"Let's plan a trip, dinners and shopping. We only meet once a year!" my mother insisted. We can sense her anxiety over the preparation building days before the Holiday. "No, we rather stay home and do nothing!" we said. The lack of enthusiasm disappointed her terribly.


Christmas can be stressful for many reasons. Buying gifts, planning gathering and anticipating the family get together all provoke uneasiness. We also get frustrated and irritated easily especially when we feel others do not appreciate our good intention.


Little wonder, people end up dreading the holiday that celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ. Martha was a perfect example of someone too stressed to enjoy His visit:


She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:39-40.


"You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her," was Jesus' reply.

Don't let the holiday stress rob us of enjoying the One who loves us so much and also enjoying those we love. How do I stay focused on the Reason for the Season?