God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

For whatever reason, I have found particular meaning in the carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen this Christmas season.  At our schools, we have observed a great deal of turbulence in the organizations as both schools have separately faced circumstances that would forever change their mission and ethos.  The normal certainty of paychecks fell into question and the realization that we are in the palm of God's hand has been real to us in many ways.  It has been a great time to reflect on ministry, purpose, grace, hope, and faith.  As we worked feverishly at certain points for goals we didn't understand at the time, we now see how God used each step to draw a bigger vision than we ever imagined.

Having faith does not allow us the luxury of sitting back and lazily waiting on God.  It means we put our utmost effort forth, knowing it will still fall short.  We pray God will honor our work and solve the problems regardless of our shortcomings.  Or act according to His good, pleasing and perfect will in the situation.

As we faced so many issues on so many fronts this semester, they still pale in comparison with the spiritual condition that we face in this world.  Jesus bridges the gap.  When we live for Christ, we should be filled with comfort and joy because the problems of this world pale in comparison.

I have pasted the lyrics of the first few verses from God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen below.  May nothing you dismay and may you be filled with comfort and joy!

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
this blessèd Babe was born,
And laid within a manger
upon this blessèd morn;
The which His mother Mary
did nothing take in scorn.


From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.


"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."