This week’s Success Scripture is inspired by the refrain from the Christmas Carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – “O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.”
Jeremiah 31:13 (NIV)
Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them COMFORT and JOY instead of sorrow.
Each stanza in God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ends the same way – with the refrain, “O tidings of comfort and joy.” This phrase indicates the intended response to the words in each stanza. The words in God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen should produce comfort and joy in both the singer and the listener.
First, the word “tidings” means good news and is used of any message designed to cheer those who receive it. In God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, these tidings include comfort and joy. Comfort and joy have been delivered in the birth of a Savior, and now, the onus is on the receiver to experience the comfort and joy that now belong to them through the finished work of Christ.
Jesus is our comfort and joy for at least 3 reasons: First, He was born as a human being just like we were. Second, He lived life on this earth just like we do. Third, He was raised from the dead, He’s alive today, and He’s praying for us.
Now, because we have received God’s comfort and joy through the finished work of Christ, we are exhorted to share that comfort and joy with others. When we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the outcome should be joy. In the Christmas story, Jesus is the grounds for, and the object of, the believer’s joy because He is the promised Messiah, who came to deliver us from the penalty, power, and presence of sin!