Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Twas' the night before Christmas and all thru the Littlejohn house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse... Well, actually 3 of the 4 children are sleeping while one works on her cross word puzzles because she just can't sleep. The fragrance from the ham baking in the oven is wafting in the air. A Dad and a Grandma strategically wrap the presents, because well, this Mama don't wrap. No, really, it would NOT be merry if I wrapped. A Grandy is doozing off on the couch while, " It's A Wonderful Life" plays on a low volume. And me? Well, I am all cozied up in a big read chair..... writing. :)

Lots of different thoughts and emotions have been churning in my heart today. But one in particular has struck me. In the song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" each verse concludes with "Tidings of comfort and joy!"

Interesting that the news of the birth of Christ brought comfort and joy.

Comfort for our most staggering of losses, hurts, and pains.

And JOY. Joy to lighten the path that seems paralyzingly dark at times. But it was His pursuit of JOY that brought Him to this earth. He left His Father, He left the very essence of perfection to fulfill the greatest act of redemption we will ever witness.... for JOY! Joy that He would feel in the innards of His heart. Joy that would make Him smile. Joy that would follow Him and satisfy Him when He thought of us.  You and I. And He saw us as we were; incomplete, inadequte, broken, undone, a cheese ball oozing of 'unworthy' at it's finest.

I don't know about you, but I need a good dose of both of these things in my life right now; comfort and joy.

The very merriest Christmas to you from the Littlejohn house!!!!
May you be full of comfort and joy!

~Sara