Okay, I know that you all may get a little tired of me showing pictures of the baby, but I just can't help it! This is so cute... it warms the heart! Doesn't he look so snug, cozy, and comfortable?
I started thinking this morning about the meaning of comfort and joy. Let me take a little spin on this concept. What does it take for us to feel comfortable and do comfort and joy seem to "walk together"? In our modern world, it seems like it takes more and more to make people feel like they have enough (to feel comfortable or secure). Satisfaction in all areas of life can seem an impossibility. Do we ever feel like we have enough money, enough time to do the things we want, enough resources, enough respect, enough emotional support, or even enough joy?
Why do we always seek for more (or at least what we don't have) and never stop to appreciate what we already have? I'm not talking about noble life goals here, but rather the attitude that some take when approaching life that says, "I'll be happy when __________." You fill in the blank! When I lose that 20 pounds? When I get a raise? When I am appreciated more? When I land that new job? When I finally get married? When I start my family? When I get a better car? When I get a bigger house? When I get the respect I think I deserve? When I get everything I want?
What defines our happiness or comfort?
Then I consider the Scriptures that speak of Paul and Silas singing in jail... or perhaps James telling us to consider it all joy whenever we face trials...or modern day Christians being persecuted in other lands for their faith, yet wholeheartedly worshiping the Lord...even baby Jesus born to be the Savior of the World in such a humble, lowly stable. These are situations that don't seem to afford much comfort, yet they facilitate boundless joy.
The word of the angel to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks gives us the biggest clue: "Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to ALL PEOPLE!" And what was the angel announcing? Jesus!
I believe true unsurpassed comfort and joy can only come from God. The closer we are to Him, the more comfortable and joyful we become. Likewise, the further we are from Him, the more miserable and discontent we become. This includes all physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of our lives.
God defines comfort; a strengthening aid, consolation in time of trouble or worry, to free from vexation or doubt, relief or encouragement, contented well-being, satisfying or enjoyable experience, one that gives or brings comfort, to give strength and hope to, to ease the grief or trouble of.
That is my prayer for all of you, my friends, that you receive God's comfort and joy into your lives this special season. OH, TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY!
