Comfort and Joy
I love watching cheesy Christmas movies on television. One of my all-time favorites is a made for television movie called Comfort and Joy. Have you seen it? In the movie, Jane is a single gal who is moving up the corporate ladder. She is all fun and no play. Then, one day, she is knocked unconscious in a car accident, and she gets a glimpse of what her life would be like had she chosen a different road. The tagline for the movie is “What if the life you’re living isn’t the one you’re meant to live?”
Have you ever asked yourself that question? I think many people do.
The title for the movie is taken from the lyrics to the Christmas Carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
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
Close by today, someone I know is seeking answers. Life lacks meaning and purpose. What if the life they are living is not the one they are meant to live? What if there is more?
In Luke Chapter 1, a simple girl comes face to face with an angel. He tells her the Good News — he gives her a glimpse of a different life ahead. She is forever changed by these tidings of comfort and joy.
And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! (vs. 46-47, MSG)
Who do you know that needs to hear this Good News? Someone in your circle of influence needs God’s comfort today. Is there a person close by whose life is lacking joy? I am called to share the Good News that dispels dismay. I am a modern-day herald. I must point those who have gone astray to the One who came to set them free from the enemy’s power.
I am praying for God to give me eyes to see that person who needs to hear the glad tidings.
His comfort and joy change everything.
This Advent, may I burst with the God-news.
++++
Let’s Chat: How do you plan to share God’s comfort and joy with others this Christmas?
What a lovely Christmas focus-how can we use this season to share the comfort and joy that the messiah’s advent into the world brings?!
I am leading an online Advent Bible study this year, Helene. It’s opening up my eyes to the concept that this season is about celebrating His coming. I realized that if I am going to a party, I probably should invite a few friends along… 🙂
I do so love the wording that The Message gives to that verse, Lyli! It really brings it to life. And I also love your hunger to share Christ with all you meet. I need more of that passion. I let my introversion and fear of conflict get in my way of approaching the subject. But you’ve given me that reminder and challenge to share what God has so richly blessed me with–His grace and forgiveness!
One of the assistant pastors at my church helped me in this area, Beth. He said that sharing your faith doesn’t have to be a scary experience. He encouraged us to make is a more “organic experience” — as we spend time with the Lord, He fills us up, and that will “overflow” to others… Christ will spill out and naturally make himself known through us. This concept really freed me up… I no longer feel like I have to work up the confidence to be evangelistic. I am just me — a girl who loves Jesus. When people see that, they are attracted to the joy and peace He gives. They have questions, and I answer them honestly. I pray for them to find their way to God, but I don’t beat myself up if I can’t make them see. I am just a seed planter. God does the watering and harvesting. I am giving myself more grace in this area…. 🙂
I’ve never heard of Comfort and Joy but it sounds so insightful. I’ll have to see if I can find it in my listings.
Thanks for your encouragement for us to seek out those who need the glad tidings that we can share. You just did it yourself. 🙂
It was originally on Lifetime, Lisa. Not sure if it’s playing this year, but it’s one of my favorites.
I wasn’t able to find it when I searched for it on U-Verse, but I’ll still keep on the lookout for it!
Here is what I found when I googled it: Sat Dec 21 at 4 PM on Lifetime
Dear Lyli
I have never before heard this Christmas song! Your words are so true; so many need to hear this wonderful, good news. But I think the best way to tell others that need to hear, is to love them. This we can do every day of the year. It amazes me how we can only love our loved ones with our human abilities and how it takes the love of Jesus to fill our hearts with His love to really love our enemies and to pray for them with a sincere heart!
Blessings XX
Mia
Yes, Mia. Love is God’s language… it reaches every heart. 🙂
Lyli – This is such a beautiful post & brought me comfort this morning as I read it. Praying that He answers your prayer & uses you as a modern day herald in ways you never anticipated. And, friend, I am praying that for each of us as well. Thank you for this post!
Joanne, thanks for that prayer. May He give me eyes to see.
Oh Lyli – That question so resonates in my spirit! Yes, what if there is more? More we are meant to do, be,…and through safety, complacency…we are somehow missing it…. Always love your heart & your posts! UNITED, Jen
Thanks, Jen I am trying to be purposeful this Advent so that I don’t miss Him in the midst of the noise.
Hi Lyli,
Wonderful to meet you, I am popping over from the SDG Sisters. I truly loved your post and ties in exactly where I am right now. The carol is wonderful, one of my favorites with so much truth. In this season where many struggle, the message of comfort and joy is so needed.
God bless
Anita, thanks for popping by. I love the SDG community! I love the old Christmas hymns. That one phrase “comfort and joy” just dropped down into my heart, and I had to share it. I am so glad you were encouraged.
Love! You are a modern day herald….and now I have to go find that movie! ♥
Good News is meant to be shared. I am trying to be mindful of that this Christmas.
I had a bunch of Christmas movies saved on the DVR, but we switched cable companies a few months back, so I need to do some recording. 🙂
Enjoyed visiting your site from Unwrapped Tuesdays. Hope your Christmas is filled with comfort and joy as you share the light of Christ with those around you.
Ginger, so glad you stopped by from Emily’s. She has me looking forward to Tuesdays in December with great anticipation. So many lovely posts in that link up this week!
I joined you from Tuesdays Unwrapped.
Today, I posted about the women who sit in my chair. As a hair-girl, I have one of the most fantastic jobs ever and love that God allows me to become so intimately acquainted with the women who visit on Tuesdays. It’s an honor to serve them and encourage them at the same time!
So glad you stopped by, Marcy! I am thankful for my “hair-guy.” I think it’s awesome that you are using your platform to be a blessing to others. 🙂
Lots of people here in the Philippines need comfort and joy! I hope we can give some when we try to find livelihood for some of those who lost everything in the recent typhoon. God bless you and thank you for your reminder! patsy
Patsy, praying for the Philippines this morning. May God’s healing, comfort, and peace reign down.
I can be so guilty of keeping the good news to myself. It’s easier to share through my writing but in real life…beyond this computer screen…I’m not as quick to share. I say it is the shy part of me but as I too try to be more purposeful with celebrating the Advent season, I know how deeply I don’t want others to miss Him. We need Him. We can’t do life without Him. I hope and pray that my knowledge of how desperately I need Him leads me to share His good news more and more.
Thank you for your beautiful heart, Lyli.
Much love to you,
Beth
That’s my prayer, too, Beth! That God would help me in this area and show me the way.
Hi Lyli! I’m visiting from the Faith Filled Friday hop. I linked just after you with my Christmas giveaway post on my blog, Amanda’s Books and More. I wanted to read your post earlier today, but I’ve been quite busy. I’m so glad to read faith and encouragement in your words. You write very well. I’m blessed to be in South Africa where sharing one’s faith is easy. I know it’s harder in the States, because I’m an American. Many people here are very open to Christianity. It’s a very Christianized nation, but many are also only so-called Christian by going to church, but not really born-again.
Tina – American mom raising 4 kids in South Africa
my faith-filled blog is at http://happymomshappyhomes.blogspot.com
Christina, thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed visiting your blogs today. 🙂
I haven’t heard of that movie. Sounds like a good one.
How do I bring comfort and joy at Christmas? Hopefully by being a light to those in my sphere of influence — my family, friends and so on. And I hope I do that every day of the year, not just at Christmas.
Thanks for being a part of #TellHisStory! xo
Welcome home, Jennifer! I know 1st hand how hard it can be to come back home after being in Haiti for a week, so I am praying for your family today. Hugs