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...    

Are You Jolly?

The Christmas Carol, "Deck the hall(s)" is a Welsh melody dating back to the sixteenth century. The modern lyrics and melody that we know today were edited and originally published in 1866.One of the lines of lyrics says, "Tis the season to be jolly." However, for many, it is not a jolly season. Some are alone, some remember a loved one who has passed away, some may fall prey to stress and cannot wait for Christmas to be gone, the reasons are many. I myself, like others have experienced the many difficult situation that life brings and like others have a choice. I can focus on the problems of my past no matter how terrible they may have been or I can remember the blessings and be willing to share what I have with others.

We sometimes forget the depths of what the Christmas season really means. I remember the Charles Schulz Christmas program, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" that made its television debuted in 1965 and is still being aired today. Basically, Charlie Brown wants to discover the meaning of Christmas in which Linus explains in brief the birth of Christ the Savior. When we look closely at the birth of Christ, we discover the immeasurable love of God toward humanity. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul reveals mans condition since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, "...having no hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12) and "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Mankind could not find his way back to God on his own. He was in need of a mediator that could stand before God on behalf of man.  The only way that this could be accomplished is that God Himself would assume mans liability for his crimes which meant that deity and humanity must come together to meet mans greatest need, redemption.

The incarnation of Christ is certainly a remarkable event in the history of man and should certainly be celebrated, but when the difficulties of life try to rob such a wonderful event from our hearts and minds, let's remember that there was even a greater event that took place in humanity. Jesus, the God-Man was born to do just as the angel announced, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) Yes, a Savior was born, but He could not save man until He paid in full mans crimes to satisfy justice and give man right standing before God. The Savior would have to suffer in two realms, the natural through the horrific beating and crucifixion of His body and the spiritual realm. His spirit would become impregnated with sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and He would be separated from the Father (Matthew 27:46) and spend three days in hell (Matthew 12:40, Acts 2:31, Ephesians 4:9) where He suffered and was tormented beyond our comprehension.

The Bible tells us that Jesus indeed paid in full mans sin debt, by dying a death that all people should die. He then arose from the grave, ascended to heaven, offered His own blood and sat down at the right hand of the Father (Romans 5:17-21, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:51, Hebrews 9:12, 10:12) So during this Christmas season when we feel the weight of life trying to come upon us, let's remember what Jesus the Savior has done for us. In doing so the burdens will be lifted (Matthew 11:28-30) and we can enjoy this wonderful festive season of Christmas. Have a very Merry Christmas. Fa, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La...