Christmas has come and gone, but the phrase “comfort and joy” seems to be beckoning me. With the recent events, it is little wonder that we all need a little comfort and joy. But what does that really look like.
In the hours and days after the riots in DC, several took to social media proclaiming what the rioters were saying. While others were saying the opposite. Politics has never been a comfort zone for me. We all have our own opinions and arguing our points will not change the other person’s mind. All it would do is separate us further.
Comfort is often found in a bowl of ice cream, chocolate cake, or alcohol; however, that is a temporary fix. So where do you turn for comfort? Scripture? Yes, there are many verses that offer comfort. But in the place where we find ourselves, where do you really turn for comfort?
Realistically, we turn for comfort in the most non-godly places. We turn to each other, we turn to social media, we turn to food or drink. We may think about turning to God, but usually that is a fleeting thought. I say “we” because I know I am not alone in this. I watched the news and saw what you saw. My heart was heavy, and I was angry. I turned to social media. That did not help my heart or my anger.
This morning as I sat outside watching the birds, I heard the song “God rest Ye Merry Gentleman” playing in my head. Not all the song, but the “comfort and joy” part. Which lead me down a path with the question of “where do you find comfort and joy”? I am back to that question again. Scripture is still the answer. But it is more than just reading a single verse or chapter that is familiar. It is actually taking that scripture and meditating on it, taking it to heart, and pondering it. (Instant recall of memory verses become difficult with age unless you work on it—just saying.)
Mary heard the shepherds’ story and took their words to heart and pondered them. I often think of when she would ponder their words…like when Jesus was lost or was it later when he was on the road (away from her). I have a few scriptures that I ponder from time to time (Psalms 51:10-12; Psalm 121). But God uses songs to get my attention a lot of the time. And today I find the words to “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” my place of comfort and joy today.
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
Luke 2:10 says “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The truth is the gospel is where we find our joy, our hope and our comfort. So today if you find yourself humming “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, find the comfort and joy of knowing God is standing beside you offering you rest, you just need to lean in on Him.
