Can you imagine a world where absolute peace is the norm? Not just peace from wars and international conflicts, but true peace in every relationship. It’s hard to grasp a world like that. But, that is one of the things Christ came for 2000 years ago.
I like the 500 year old carol called “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. Set to a lively tune, this old song tells the complete story of when, why and where Christ came that very first Christmas. The second verse says:
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
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and Joy for all who place their trust in Jesus…. Then jumping to the 4th verse when the angels visited the shepherds with the “Good News” of the birth, it states the reason for His coming – to free us from Satan’s power:
“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
Jumping down to the last verse the song talks about what would be the fruit if the world believed:
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
True peace in this world and in our personal lives will only come through believing in Christ, the Savior who came into the world long ago. If you are tired and weary and anxiety floods your days and nights, remember the words of Jesus: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
In closing, back up to the very first verse of this old Christmas carol… it tells us is a few simple words what the true meaning of Christmas is:
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 pow’r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
I hope you have a very merry and truly blessed Christmas, and a great New Year!
