Words matter in worship. Whether they are the words of a sermon, scripture readings, hymns, Christmas carols or spiritual songs, the words matter. I shared a couple of weeks ago about how many times we see the "peace" word used in Christmas carols and readings.
In light of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, I want to share about other words we see at Christmas. The words or comfort, joy, hope, and peace. It is interesting that "tidings of comfort and joy" are used in the same sentence in some of our carols with which we worship. When we look at our world today we tend to think things are so much worse today than back in the day when the Son of God entered our world as Emmanuel, God with us. We see the manger scene in our minds and forget that He burst forth onto the scene in a world that did not really receive Him well. It also was a world of evil, hate, persecution, bigotry, and a sick society. His coming was described as "tidings of comfort and joy" - seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum, and yet, into a world of fear and distrust enters comfort, joy, hope and yes, the Prince of Peace.
In a very real sense, comfort in the midst of that kind of world leads us to joy, and hope leads us to peace. That comfort, joy, hope, and peace is embodied in the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Prince of Peace.
We grieve for those who have lost so tragically, but we don't grieve without hope...because of Him. We need to pray for comfort that eventually will lead these loved ones to joy again in Him. We need to pray that He will bring people around these folks to minister in the power of God's Spirit this comfort, hope, peace, and joy found only in the babe of Bethlehem. Emmanuel - God with us - His presence among us even in tragedy and trials is a promise we must hold to in times like these, knowing that God in His providence will "work this to a greater good" in His time. Parents and Grandparents, take time to love on and worship with your children this blessed Christmas Season. mjm
