Preparing for Christmas…preparing for Ethiopia!

 

When we look at the period of time when Micah lived , we see that the hearts of people are no different than today. There is selfish materialism, complacency toward God, and disintegrating moral and social values. Yes that’s right, we are studying the book of Micah this Advent season as we prepare for the birth of Christ our Savior.

As stated by our pastor, “his words are direct, picturesque, and cut to the heart of the matter.” This is just the message God knew I needed to hear as we prepare to travel to Ethiopia! I pray that God continues to purify my heart, to boldly proclaim the HOPE I have in Him. To continue to keep my heart close to His as I grieve over what grieves Him! To be “HOPE WITH HANDS” to the oppressed and the least of these in Ethiopia and in my own community.

Some of the messages that were shared in yesterday’s study of Micah: The Lord disciplines those He loves as a good earthly father does for his own children. You too should grieve over sin and repent. A lack of compassion for those in need reveals a heart estranged from God. Resist ear-tickling fairy tales that only offer material blessing. Lastly, the real HOPE of God offers is not external ease and material blessing, but the promise of eternal safety after temporary suffering. I’m sure I will preach this last one to myself many times while experiencing the poverty and suffering in Ethiopia.

“God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen” will be sung with new meaning, as I now have a clearer understanding of this powerful song. The intended meaning of the words needs to be shared so as to shed a renewed perspective on this MIGHTY carol! The peasants of England sang this song they understood a vastly different meaning from what people in America think when they hear it today. The word “rest” means keep or make, “merry” means great/mighty. Now read it as, God Keep Ye mighty, Gentlemen! Also, the carol continues “Let nothing you dismay,”-Let nothing cause you to loss courage (continue to move forward in your intended goal). There’s tidings (NEWS) of comfort and joy! The HOPE of Christ!! The carol continues with the story of Christmas! So thankful for this new understanding of this MIGHTY Christmas carol!

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn;
The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our heavenly Father a blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

"Fear not, then," said the angel, "Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might."

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethl'em straightaway this blessed Babe to find.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy

But when to Bethlehem they came where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

God bless the ruler of this house, and send him long to reign,
And many a merry Christmas may live to see again;
Among your friends and kindred that live both far and near--

That God send you a happy new year, happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.