In small group last week, we went around the circle recalling our favorite Christmas songs. Many had the traditional “Silent Night”, “ O’ Little Town of Bethlehem”, “ O’ Holy Night”, and “Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart”, but my favorite tune is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. This has become one of my favorite tunes because of the style of the Gregorian chant and melody. But the refrain is the best part for me “ Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel” translated to mean “Take abundant joy at the coming of God in flesh”
In studying for the blog today on Psalms 144, I found in my bible that the theme for this psalm is: Rejoicing in God’s Care. Whether in times of prosperity or adversity, blessed is those that are in care.
This Advent season, I made a commitment to study and prepare my mind, body, and spirit for the coming of the Christ-child. At the beginning of the study, my friends and I were made aware of a small, yet significant rate-limiting variable. During this season of joy and excitement, the enemy will attempt to derail your purpose and joy. It has been a wonderful journey, but there have been many times in the last 25 days that have shaken many of my closest people in my life to the point of shattering. There have been journeys transitioned to heaven, journeys derailed, and financial instabilities for many of my closest friends and family. I have taken refuge in the words of this psalm:
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples[a] under me.
3 O Lord, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
No matter what is happening in my life or our lives, God is ultimately in control. Rejoice. Even though we are like a passing shadow, a vapor, or a breath, God’s provision for us is never compromised. Rejoice. He’s love for us does not change and is always there for us. Rejoice. It is evident by the gift that we celebrate today. Rejoice. He loves us. Rejoice. Merry Christmas.