But as I continued my walk to work, the lyrics to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' came to mind. "God rest ye merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay. Remember, Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas day. To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray. O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy. O, tidings of comfort and joy." The gift of mercy. God sent his son to earth, to provide redemption and hope. To save us from Satan's power. To help us get on the right road. That brings me comfort and joy which is lasting.
My thoughts about comfort and joy continued throughout the day, but really seemed to hit home last evening. Isla generally is a good sleeper. It doesn't usually take much to get her to sleep at night, and then she sleeps the whole night without interruption. (We recognize this is a gift!) But this week she had her first cold, and so her nose was congested and she has been having some difficulty breathing. Last night in particular, she was nearly inconsolable. If I held her she would sleep, but if I laid her down she would wake up very distressed. So I held her for several hours.
During that time I began to think about the mystery and beauty of Christmas. God sent his son to earth. Jesus was once a tiny babe, just like Isla is today. He didn't remain in heaven and say "Gosh it really looks tough for you guys down there. Hope you figure things out." But he came to earth, and he lived with us. Likely he had a cold on occasion. Had difficulty falling asleep. Cried and wept. And had his heart broken by injustice, sickness, and death. He understands our world, because he lived here. It brings me comfort and joy knowing that my experiences and thoughts aren't foreign to him. When I come to him with worries and concerns, he understands because he too experienced them. And when he sees a child crying in distress, or a person who is hungry, he can say truthfully "I know how you feel." That is the mystery and beauty of Christmas. And I hope it brings you tidings of Comfort and Joy!
May you experience the joy of Christmas, dear Isla, and to all!
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
"Fear not then," said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
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