Tis the Season to be Jolly

Deck the Halls" or "Deck the Hall" (which is the original version of the lyrics) is a traditional Christmas, yuletide, and New Years' carol. The melody is Welsh dating back to the sixteenth century,  and belongs to a winter carol, "Nos Galan." The English lyrics were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant. They first appeared in 1862, in volume 2 of Welsh Melodies, a set of four volumes authored by John Thomas, including Welsh words by John Jones (Talhaiarn) and English words by Oliphant. The lyrics "Tis the season to be jolly" typically refers to the time before Christmas, which can be defined as anywhere from October 1st to December 24th.

But why do we tend to limit October 1st to December 24th the season to be jolly? For believers, should not the season to be jolly be throughout the entire year, everyday? Jolly is described as joyful, joyous. The Bible tells us to, "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises." (Psalm 98:4) The Apostle Paul tell us, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) He also tells us that "joy" is a fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22) The Apostle James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (James 1:2) 

So, no matter where we find ourselves, no matter what the circumstances of life may bring, for believers, everyday is the season to be jolly. The most important reason behind this is what God did in Christ. What the Father did in Christ, is the most spectacular, most incredible, most staggering thing that could ever be done for mankind, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16) We also must remember, that though Jesus is not physically here on earth, that the Father has given us the Holy Spirit who works in and through us to continue the work of Jesus on earth for God's glory. (John 14:19-28)

Matthew's gospel records a prophetic word from the Prophet Isaiah, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) This was not the best person that God could find on earth. This was not the purest angel among the heavenly hosts. No, no, this was God Himself putting on flesh, (John 1:1, 14)  becoming a man to save humanity from the powers of darkness, the tyrannical power of Satan himself. Although the Christmas season is exciting to many believers, let us not lose sight that there are many believers who hurt a little more during this time of year for various reasons. We also need to be mindful that there are many who do not know the Savior who may also struggle during this season.

So, I want to encourage every one of us, every believer, go! Go and share this great news to all we meet. Not the gift giving part, but "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11)..."for He will save all people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)  Amen?

Have a very Merry Christmas and let us all remember to take some time to reflect on and remember that Jesus Christ is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas...