"A merry heart doeth good like medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22 KJV)
It’s still the wrong side of 5am when I noticed it. We are deep into the academic calendar of all things Christmas, so I’ve already donned my seasonal t-shirt. “Merry. Merry. Merry. Merry. Merry.” I smile at the graphic and the memory overtakes me slowly: I discovered the original old English meaning of ‘merry’ many years ago. I taught our Shift kids while I was still being credentialed: “Merry means mighty, powerful. When we wish someone a Merry Christmas, we are actually praying they’d experience Jesus in a profound way!”
I’d bought it on a whim. An online order of Christmas pajamas got carried away and I figured I could use another non-Santa seasonal t-shirt, so into the cart it went. In the mirror this morning, I realize it wasn’t happenstance.
This silent Christmas season has been especially appointed by prayer. Rob and I are navigating an in-between and in the middle of this meantime, I’m slogging through middle school as a middle-aged adult. It’s safe to say I’ve required the quiet might of the Holy Spirit more readily than maybe ever before!
Merry means mighty, and advent under the influence of the Spirit is the only way to accomplish it.
Reconsider the lyrics of this beautiful old carol. Understand how this song was an outcry against the minor chord dirges of the Catholic Church in the fifteenth century. Rebellious believers remade well-known bar songs into gospel ballads. Crowds took to singing them in the streets. The words were an invitation to lay aside a broken system of works and rest instead in the power and affection of a holy Savior.
God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save the world 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
Scripture implores us: merry can actually cure a broken spirit. When we rest in the gospel, when we lean into the Holy Spirit, we are made merry: mighty and joyous. Doesn’t that sound like the very best manner in which to approach Christmas?
The unlikely ignition of our most powerful Christmas experience is found in response to the invitation of the Holy Spirit. I dare you to make to space to rest in this season. Slowing our souls to still makes a profound impact on our merry. You may have a crammed calendar this advent, but I pray you’ll pull the brakes long enough to sit with the Savior and hear His heart for your holiday season.
"But he that has a merry heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15 KJV)
Lord, please make us merry this Christmas as we downshift our pace to sit with You. Fill us anew with Your Spirit. Swap out sorrow for joy and frailty for supernatural strength. May we experience this Immanuel at a whole new level this advent. Amen.
Here’s my favorite take on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, but also the whole album is awesome. Merry Christmas, friends!