Listening to Christmas Carols, I was struck with how many centered-on joy. Joy to the world, Rejoice Emanuel has come, to thee, come joyful and triumphant, bless you merry gentlemen, sing in exaltation, joyful all ye nations arise, Good Christian men rejoice. The wise men had exceeding joy when they saw the star. They believed. Then, much follows about let nothing dismay, let sorrow go, hopes and dreams are met tonight, our everlasting light, each song filled with promise that we might awaken to the gift given in the newborn babe. I thought of how we say “Merry Christmas.” Not Christ Mass, the origin of the familiar greeting. Merry. We’re saying be joyful, be merry, more than thankful, or worshipful, or praise filled, I wish you a merry heart. It’s a time to celebrate the wonderous gift God gave us. The carols are full of joy-filled instructions—how fitting! This time of the year gets lost in the “reason for the season,” but the trees, the gifts, the decorations, the food, can all contribute to the expression of joy we enter into. Celebrate! Declare it! Shout it! Christ the Savior is born! When the reason seems forgotten or buried neath the hustle-bustle, let’s let joy dominate. So, from me to you, MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
Devotions to sooth your soul