Comfort And Joy

A seasonally appropriate pillow is the element that reminds me of the carol refrain, “O tidings of comfort and joy!”.

After buying something like it a couple of years ago for my mother, I went looking, in particular for this very type of cushion.

I like a homespun look, and that is exactly what this barn red pillow, with its stitched lines and appliqued white snowflake, provide. It is plump and comfy, giving soft support to the seating.

That is just what we expect when we think of comfort: something that makes us feel good.

Yet, comfort is sometimes much more of a serious matter. Sometimes it relieves pain, of the physical and emotional kind.

Such comforting comes at a cost, far more than the twenty dollars or so of a special pillow. There must be time and effort given to give relief to the ache that could eventually destroy a life, if severe enough and of long endurance.

This is the type of care that I think is meant by Christmas comfort. Though we more often consider a full belly, a warm fire, and well padded couch as more in the spirit of the word. I don’t believe that is at all what the Angels sang about when giving the announcement of Christ’s birth.

What Gives Comfort a Greater Significance?

The addition of joy makes the difference.

Joy goes beyond mere contentment and satisfaction, the kind we get from my holiday pillow. Joy wells up from a spring of exhilaration and gladness. The comfort and joy that comes from the Christmas message is the lifting of the great oppression of mankind. A Deliverer comes on our behalf.

My Idea Is Too Small

I come to realize that my idea of comfort has been too small, a temporary experience of what makes me feel good for a moment.

God had something much greater in mind, something that would last for an eternity.

As much as I love a cozy, homespun Christmas, my view has been far too short sighted, and subject to disappointment. Take away my goodies, my place in line, interfere with my wish list, and such comfort evaporates.

Finding Peace in All Circumstance

Instead, it is time for me to receive the joy that no man can take from me, no circumstance can diminish. It is time to get comfortable with God and make my peace through prayer… handing over every worry and disturbance of mind.

Jesus, The Prince of Peace, was not sent into comfortable circumstances , and because of that we can partake of his comfort no matter where life takes us.

Scriptures for Today:

Luke 2

8  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Ephesians 2:13-18
13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16  and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

 

Carols:
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Joy To The World