Comfort & Joy

I just can't help myself. The month of December starts, and suddenly I have streaming Christmas carols in my head all the time! So I guess that's what I'll be writing about this month.

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen was written in the 16th century. It uses funny words and phrases we don't use anymore. Here's the first verse just in case you've forgotten:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay;

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day;

To save us all from Satan's power when we had gone astray;

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy.

And even though I tried my best to find the history of this carol, all I found was that the first line actually means "God keep you, pleasant gentlemen." What I was really going after was the last lines, the tidings of comfort and joy. What did the author mean by that? What did that mean in his day? And what does it mean for us?

My life is not always comfortable. I struggle with my attitude, my emotions and at times, my faith. While I am thankful for my material comforts, a warm home isn't enough to touch my soul down deep when I am troubled. Only God can give me peace and comfort and joy.

This time of year, this carol really speaks to me. I often sing my children to sleep with it during the holiday season. It reminds me that comfort and joy are possible even if I'm not feeling them currently. I pray comfort and joy for you this season.

Happy Christmastime, friends.

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