My favorite Christmas Carol has long been “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” I think it is the evangelist in me that loves how clearly it tells what Christmas is about, that Jesus was born our savior to save of from Satan’s power having been cut off from God in our sin. Read again the first verse:
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.
This says so succinctly that Christ our savior was born on Christmas Day. And for what purpose? To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray! This surely is a tiding that should bring comfort and joy. And the result of this good news is that we can rest merry in our relationship with God and not let anything dismay us. I’m not sure if Romans 5: 8-11 was on the author’s mind when he wrote this, but it may well have been: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (NLT) Oh tidings of comfort and joy!
There is a big part of me that wants to give you one more challenge to take this message and do the work of an evangelist as we end 2018. I have in mind what Paul wrote to Timothy, “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5 ESV)
However, instead of challenging you to share this good news with others, I want to encourage you to rejoice in it yourself the Christmas. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day to save you from Satan’s power when you had gone astray. Remember this great news that you have received and take much comfort and joy in it. Being saved and set free from sin and death, rest merry in your wonderful relationship with God this Christmas. And, resting merry, as you prepare to go into 2019 do not be dismayed with whatever challenges you face. God is with you and will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
On a personal note, I want to take the time to thank you for reading these articles in 2018. I can’t express enough my deep gratitude that you do. My hope is always that they will support and encourage you as you fight the good fight in the local church – the front lines of God’s mission field.
May you have a blessed Christmas and I look forward to continuing this journey together next year!
Canon Mark Eldredge is the AAC’s Director of Church Revitalization and Coaching 
