Tidings of Comfort and Joy

The message of Christ’s birth is one of comfort and joy for believers. And that’s the refrain of the Christmas carol we’re looking at today—“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.”

Now, this song isn’t really about happy gentlemen. It’s about God keeping us full of joy, even in anxious times. Don’t dismay—Christ is born; he’s defeated Satan. That reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words, “rejoice in the Lord!”

The carol then describes the shepherds hearing the good news and rushing to see the newborn Jesus. It includes elements like: abandoning sheep to a storm and Mary kneeling in prayer. Well, it’s a wonderful celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Dig Deeper

• How Can We Rejoice Through Pain?
• What Is in Satan’s Future?