Tidings of Comfort and Joy
I must admit that Christmas time comes with mixed emotions for me. I’m sure all of you identify with the stress of holiday traffic, shopping for presents, getting around the loop to all the family, wondering if we’ll have enough money to do all we want to do… Even the way we talk about it often signals our truest emotions; “Christmas will be here before you know it.”
And beyond all the stress of simply celebrating, in recent years, the secular humanists of this world have used the holiday season to advance their atheistic agendas, proclaiming that reason should prevail over religion. I had a conversation earlier this week with someone about an ad that has been placed at Capital buildings, government agencies, and all over the internet that reads,
“At this season of the WINTER SOLSTICE, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
It seems we argue with this kind of religious zealot most during this time of year.
When the bells of Christmas ring, when the carols play, when the temperature drops, for many people, there’s a sigh of “here we go again… I’ll be glad when this year’s over.” I’ve already heard it said, “Christmas is giving me a headache.”
Combine the stress of celebrating Christmas with the worldwide meltdown of governments and economies and all of a sudden, the holidays seem to be more trouble than they’re worth. People are running pretty low on holiday spirit.
Strange as it may seem, you might observe that we’re not the only ones who’ve ever had anxiety or stress around about the time of the WINTER SOLSTICE. The characters who were involved at the very beginning of this holiday had some mixed emotions, too.
There was the announcement of an unplanned pregnancy to an unwed teenage girl.
In her mind, there was the looming fear of divorce and ostracism.
Her pregnancy resulted in rejection by family and friends.
For this brand new couple, there was the uncertainty of the future, and “no room in the inn.”
They feared Herod Antipas and his murderous reign.
Where did they find joy beyond their fears, rejection, and uncertainty? How did they overcome what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to reach a place of peace and goodwill?
The angels brought tidings of comfort and joy.
The angels brought news that overcame, overwhelmed, and outshone the darkness of the day.
Look back at the story with me:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”” Matthew 1:18-23
Despite the fear and anxiety, stress and uncertainty that came with life as they knew it, the young couple stood in obedience to the promise of the angels. They took hold of a truth that transcended the trouble—that the baby born to the virgin Mary would save His people, would save ALL people, and that He would be called Immanuel, God With Us.
What a powerful truth!
What a precious promise!
As we wade through the waters of the winter holidays, may our hearts and minds be ever fixed on the foundation of the perfect Son of God, and may His coming bring peace in the middle of tumult… Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Comfort and JOY!
And beyond all the stress of simply celebrating, in recent years, the secular humanists of this world have used the holiday season to advance their atheistic agendas, proclaiming that reason should prevail over religion. I had a conversation earlier this week with someone about an ad that has been placed at Capital buildings, government agencies, and all over the internet that reads,
“At this season of the WINTER SOLSTICE, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
It seems we argue with this kind of religious zealot most during this time of year.
When the bells of Christmas ring, when the carols play, when the temperature drops, for many people, there’s a sigh of “here we go again… I’ll be glad when this year’s over.” I’ve already heard it said, “Christmas is giving me a headache.”
Combine the stress of celebrating Christmas with the worldwide meltdown of governments and economies and all of a sudden, the holidays seem to be more trouble than they’re worth. People are running pretty low on holiday spirit.
Strange as it may seem, you might observe that we’re not the only ones who’ve ever had anxiety or stress around about the time of the WINTER SOLSTICE. The characters who were involved at the very beginning of this holiday had some mixed emotions, too.
There was the announcement of an unplanned pregnancy to an unwed teenage girl.
In her mind, there was the looming fear of divorce and ostracism.
Her pregnancy resulted in rejection by family and friends.
For this brand new couple, there was the uncertainty of the future, and “no room in the inn.”
They feared Herod Antipas and his murderous reign.
Where did they find joy beyond their fears, rejection, and uncertainty? How did they overcome what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to reach a place of peace and goodwill?
The angels brought tidings of comfort and joy.
The angels brought news that overcame, overwhelmed, and outshone the darkness of the day.
Look back at the story with me:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”” Matthew 1:18-23
Despite the fear and anxiety, stress and uncertainty that came with life as they knew it, the young couple stood in obedience to the promise of the angels. They took hold of a truth that transcended the trouble—that the baby born to the virgin Mary would save His people, would save ALL people, and that He would be called Immanuel, God With Us.
What a powerful truth!
What a precious promise!
As we wade through the waters of the winter holidays, may our hearts and minds be ever fixed on the foundation of the perfect Son of God, and may His coming bring peace in the middle of tumult… Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Comfort and JOY!