Driving over the rise in the road—definitely taking the curve too quickly—my mental machine rehearsed my game plan for this solo outing. Each silent bullet point flashed in my head like a neon light and commandeered attention:
• Go here; take there
• Arrange this; return that
• Pick up before; be back by
• Don’t forget; be sure to remember
• What about her? Did you think of him?
• When you are out, get this; before you come home, drop off that
• Add to the list; alter the list; expand the list; erase from the list (Tear Up The List!)
• Decide-Decipher-Determine
• Hey Siri, remind me to… No Siri, remind me to _____!
Then it happened.
A Christmas carol on the radio—quietly playing in the unobtrusive background—interrupted my mental machine. The words to a song from centuries past took me to a place I needed to go, a place not listed on my to-do list.
Unconsciously, I hummed along. Let nothing you dismay. Before I knew it, I was singing aloud. Let nothing you dismay. Then, I found myself not only singing, but declaring with a fresh, new-found fervor: Let nothing you dismay.
Hmmm… this sounds like Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Oh Lord, Thank You! I needed that. I don’t know the musician, but I am grateful for the instruction his lyrics provide. In the power of the Holy Spirit, I submit (resubmit) my mental machine to You. I ask for You to empower me afresh to walk in peace, prepare with joy, and serve with gladness. And please, Lord, guard my heart and mind to live consistently this season in the ongoing reality of the words: Let nothing you dismay.
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 pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh 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
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure Virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's pow'r and might
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
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 pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
(Songwriters: Kevin Olusola / Scott Hoying / Avriel Kaplan / Kirstin Maldonado / Mitchell Grassi / Ben Bram, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Research tells us that God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde English and are reputed to date back to the 15th century although the author is unknown.
It is believed that this particular carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen who earned additional money during the Christmas season. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed. The lyrics to this simple carol are reputed to be one of the oldest carols.
Living With Eternal Intentionality™
1. How are the Words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 reflected in the words of this carol? Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
2. What is your dismay quotient at this present moment in holiday preparations?
3. Which item on your to-do list is threatening to rob you of the pure, sweet joy of Jesus?
4. Take a quiet moment to articulate a prayer of your own, and turn from your to-do list to the Great I AM, the One born in the manger.
And finally, a personal word to you, my fellow pilgrim: (For reasons unknown, I am quite weepy as I write.)
I deeply appreciate you and everything you have brought to my life in 2018. Meeting you here, week after week, has meant more to me than my words can express. I am deeply grateful for this journey we share. I have grown, I have learned, I have changed… because of you. Thank you.
With joyful anticipation, I look forward to 2019 as you and I continue to pursue Living With Eternal Intentionality. For now, let me wish you a heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May you experience, this season, the tidings of comfort and joy, which only He can give. And, let nothing you dismay.
I love you in Jesus,
Debby
