Advent Devotion 11 – Comfort and Joy

In the old English carol, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” the refrain refers to, “Tidings of comfort and joy.” In this season of making merry and fulfilling often extensive obligations what might feel like comfort and joy? Does spending and overspending bring a sense of comfort and joy? No. It often brings stress and worry; the opposite of comfort and joy. Does participating in event after event, getting tired, and falling behind bring comfort and joy? Hardly. It can be hard to remember what comfort and joy feel like in the midst of the holiday swirl which can threaten to suck us under!

The original meaning of the word “comfort” involved a sense of strength and fortitude. Comfort was the strength to see you through difficult times, hard challenges, and stressful situations. Surely there are times when we all need that kind of strength. Maybe Advent is just such a time. We need fortitude; to resist excess, to deal with family, to manage heavy schedules, to deal with the volatile emotions of those around us, or within ourselves. The message of comfort tells us to be strong, stay solid. Don’t get sucked under!

And what of joy? Joy is not fleeting happiness or momentary pleasure. Joy is deeper, more long term. Joy is a sense of well being in the grand scope of things. It is enchantment with the amazing wonders of life. Joy is not contingent on a certain gift or circumstance. Joy is ongoing regardless of the situation. Again, this is something we need this season when there is the potential for disappointment and unmet expectations.

So, these old fashioned, archaic words which we often think of as quaint and dated actually speak very vividly to our current situation. While the word “gentlemen” in the old carol could use updating to a less gender specific term, “comfort” and “joy” are still relevant. They remind us of the life of the babe born in Bethlehem. They tell of the one who remained strong and solid in the midst of contention and conflict. They remind us of the one who lived with joyful abandon in the midst of strife, oppression, and opposition. May we hear tidings of comfort and joy this season. May we speak tidings of comfort and joy to others.

I tell you all this that my joy may be yours,
and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11

Prayer
In this season when things are hectic and disappointments are many, may we stay focused on the true gifts of the season – comfort and joy. May we look for the deeper messages and the sources of strength around us. May we offer others comfort and joy in the spirit of Christ. Amen.