How to Rest Like a Merry Gentleman This Christmas
On Friday, I got an unexpected text message that through me into a tailspin. The Christmas music was playing throughout the house. Ironically, I could hear “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” in the air as I processed devastating news.
My Christmas mood immediately disappeared, and the spirit of Scrooge descended like a dark cloud.
I was neither merry nor bright.
I almost let the Grinch steal my Christmas, but thankfully I had 3 praying sisters who reminded me of the Truth.
I must confess I am easily discouraged. My enemy knows this, so he doesn’t have to do much for me to start seeing only coal in my Christmas stocking.
My accuser wants me to live defeated. He whispers, “Your world is dark, and it’ never going to get any brighter.”
But he is a liar. He is a liar from the pit of hell.
Because Light has come.
I need not dismay. Christ has come to dispel the darkness.
I can rest and be merry in the Light of His love today.
Maybe like me, you’ve had less than a holly jolly December. Perhaps you are hoping Santa will show up to pay that outrageous bill, or you’ve spent a few sleepless nights wondering if your prodigal will be home for Christmas. It night even be you who is living with a Scrooge without any Christmas spirit.
From the lyrics of a beloved Christmas carol, I discovered 3 reasons we can find peace and strength in the midst of the chaos. I wanted to share them with you this week because I am guessing at least one person reading this needs a Christmas miracle.
How to Rest Like a Merry Gentleman This Christmas
Recall Christ has saved you from Satan’s power when you were gone astray.
You don’t have to fight fear this Christmas because Jesus has already defeated the enemy. Remember you are on the winning team and walk with your head high.
“He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of His beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:13, TPT)
Rehearse the tidings of comfort and joy.
God has promised to fully restore and redeem your story. Every broken piece of your life He is going to beautifully repurpose. Very soon, Christ will wipe away every and forever destroy death and darkness.
“The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” (Isaiah 51:3, NIV)
Remember to embrace one another in true love and brotherhood.
God has knit our hearts together as His children, and we need one another’s encouragement to stay standing. When we are going through a difficult season, the enemy tries to discourage us so that we stop stepping toward others for support. Isolation is how he defeats us. Resist the urge to hideout and reach out to your sisters for help.
“We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (I John 3:16, Voice)
To help you dispel the darkness, I’ve created a one-page printable for you with 15 Christmas Conversation Starters. Print these out and use them at your Christmas get togethers in December to start making those meaningful connections. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we tune out the chattter in this chaotic world and listen to Savior , we will gain strength to rise above the crazy. He will give us His comfort and joy to keep us merry even in the midst of the messiest situations. The watching world will see our little lights shining brightly and ask us how we can stay so calm and bright.
Dispel the darkness this December by resting in Christ.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your commitments and constantly running on empty? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to Refuel with rest and soul care.
HUGS, friend xo
I love looking at hymn lyrics. So many of them are rich in theology.
I love this! So many older carols are so filled with truth. We can rest in Him and let nothing dismay us. The Savior has come! Tidings of comfort and joy!
Yes. I loved the theology in this carol. 🙂
I appreciate your honesty, Lyli, and I agree with this truth, “Because Light has come. I can rest and be merry in the Light of His love today.”
Hallelujah 🙂
I loved seeing the mention of this Christmas song. Just yesterday I read that years ago this would not be sung in churches because of the word “merry” and it had been suggested to change it to the word “mighty”. I had the song stuck in my head yesterday. On these days when some might not feel so merry, we should sing it in protest. May we determine with intention to be merry in remembering the birth of our Savior. Blessings!
Wow! 🙂
Lyli this post should be published in every national newspaper. Being Merry during the holiday season is possible, regardless of our circumstances. The light of that little baby boy born in a manger dispels all darkness. Our family has deal with disturbing news a few times this year. It would be easy to take on Scrooge’s personality and but God has been and is too good. His goodness is running after me.
Oh, Lyli, this post is so beautiful in so many ways. The depth of the carol and your ongoing communication with the other readers bless me. The theology in this carol is profound. And the lessons to grasp from it give me a reason to hope. Your friends gathering around in prayer is what we are called to do and be. I am blessed.