The Best Answer

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments which is the most important?” 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is....'"—Mark 12:28

Sometimes, God can let a familiar passage from the Gospels in one setting come through the back door and grab us at our point of need in another setting. Who knew, for example, that the teacher of the law is a much-needed voice from the Nativity scene, along with the angels, shepherds, and cow moos? Because amidst all the growing noise from the to-do-to-buy-to-go lists running around in our heads every single holiday season, this guy’s voice needs to cut through the fog so loudly, that all the to-dos freeze in their tracks:

“OK, so what really matters?”

The teacher of the law had about 613 add-ons (of his own making) to 10 simple truths for living that God Himself had already laid out perfectly.  All these extras may have seemed really important, but reading between the lines, you wonder if maybe, just maybe, the teacher was desperately looking to get his bearings straight once more.

And to all of our 613 or so add-ons (many not of our own making) to the simplicity of the Nativity that seem unavoidable every holiday season, comes the Lord’s timely take on the same reply He gave to the teacher of the law. Lovingly, patiently, piercingly clear:

“I am in the midst of all your to-do lists...or, at least I want to be.

Because remember, I, not the add-ons, am the Main Thing.

You know this, but I know, life can get nuts.

So listen up once more, it’s pretty simple:

First, remember that even when things seem crazy and out of control

I AM Lord. Always was Lord, always will be Lord.

The in-control-of-it-all One.

In church, and out of church.

Especially out.

And in the midst of it all,

Come unto Me, all who are weary,

And I will get your bearings straight once more.

This is the way, walk in it:

Love Me with all you’ve got

Even if it doesn’t feel like much at the moment;

With all that makes you, well, you:

The way you think, respond, work, play, and talk

Because that’s how I built you

And remember, like Me,

Not just in church, but out of church.

Even at ________.

Take Me with you in all of that.

All of it.

Enjoy it. Yes. I said, have a blast.

Sure, life can be hard, but life in Me is always good and abundant.

And the best gift you can give Me

Is the gift of love you give to someone in need

Even if it is just a small gift of listening

Or moving some furniture.

Because you never know what might open the door

For Me to walk into their lives.

During the holidays, for sure.

But in the other 364 days, too.

And that, My friend, is not just a good answer,

It's the best answer of all."

(Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a 2015 of 'best answers')