Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy

God REST You Merry Gentlemen. Oh, tidings of comfort and joy! For this Nana, "rest" hasn't been the operative word this week, but comfort and joy are abounding. Being here with my “Austin” grandchildren this week has been filled with non-stop activity. I love that the grown-up ones enjoy coming over to the house to hang with us, given their busy schedules. Last night I made “comfort" food -- pot roast and all the trimmings. Of course, I wanted to throw out the bait for another time together before I go back home on Friday. I treasure these times that I’ll never get back, so "Make the moments count!" is my aim!

There is never “slow motion” at this home. But it’s still comfort and joy to me. The younger two boys have busy, full schedules. Even being here for my grandson’s “out of his COMFORT zone” first solo music performance at his school’s Christmas Festival, brought ME “comfort and joy”! And he did a great job.

You can see that I make it my number one priority to embrace those who are still with me on this side of heaven. I’m running my race with theirs and oh, the comfort and joy it brings me. This time of the year brings additional times of joy and celebration, but, if we’re not bent toward finding the good and beautiful in the little things and the little people and the little moments, it can be a very somber and painful time. I know that feeling. My daddy passed away on December 17th when I was just 15-years-old. I remember my mother’s tears as she unwrapped his presents from under the tree. My own precious husband passed away on November 16th and Christmas has never been the same because Papa isn't here to read his hilarious version of the “Nativity Christmas Story” to the grandkids, who adored when he changed his accents for the characters and the animals. Most recently, a dear friend’s husband passed away, and another friend’s wife passed away, and another’s father passed away. I understand when people’s yuletide cheer doesn’t measure up because they’re hurting so much.

I assure you, however, there is sweet comfort and joy to be found when we determine to look for it and find it, then capitalize it and make a celebration of it! It is such a better alternative for discomfort and sadness.

Don’t give up, dear ones who are hurting. You may not want to sing about decked halls or jingling bells, but there is greater news worth singing. Don’t let your sorrow steal you away from Him who brings tidings of comfort and joy. The same little Lord Jesus away in the manger is the mighty King Jesus and Savior who came to give you abundant life. (John 10:10). This pain won’t last forever if our hope is in the ONE who holds our todays and tomorrows. May we remember the angel's words on the night when Christ was born. “Fear not for I bring you GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY which shall be for all people." Luke 2:10. During this beautiful time of the year…we can still sing the words “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let NOTHING you dismay, remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day. Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!”

If we are among those who are on the side of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", maybe it's time for us to add some of that cheer to those around us who could use a smile, a hug, a warm embrace of Jesus in the flesh -- Jesus as Emmanuel -- God with us -- God in us -- reaching out and loving others -- to help bring them GOOD TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY.