I love Christmas music. There’s something refreshing and calming about it. In fact, last year I found myself singing God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen whenever I was stressed or frustrated. The words always calmed me down.
But you know what I realized? I’ve never paid much attention to the lyrics. Once I started singing it to myself, though, the words struck me.
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;
Isn’t that such a great reminder about what Christmas is all about? We need that, especially in a year filled with trouble.
Last week at my writers’ group, one of my members pointed out that Christmas is a time when Christians should be reminded why we can have hope in a fallen world. He had some excellent points, and it got to me to thinking about a verse in John.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
– John 16:33
We don’t have to worry. We don’t have to dismay. All because the Son of God came to Earth to save us from our sins. That’s not just a reminder we need at Christmas but one we need every day of the year.
Who knows what next year will bring. There may be more trouble and uncertainty around the corner. In fact, Jesus said we would have tribulation. But we also have hope. We have the assurance of knowing that God is in control. That Jesus has overcome the world.
What Christmas songs do you hold dear? Let me know in the comments below!
