It is on my phone calendar “to do” list. Not that it will take the whole day, but I am aware of a shortened deadline to get our Joy Lutheran Church “Tidings” newsletter out. With our church office being closed the last week of the month for Christmas vacations, time is compressed.

. Long before I became the pastor of this church, it seemed like the perfect name for the newsletter: “Tidings [of Joy].” Tidings” is such a great Christmas word of old. It is found in a couple of favorites: “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” “God Rest Ye…” has nothing to do with the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ birth. It does not refer to the three wise men. Even the shepherds are not what the carol had in mind. So who are these guys? They are US, guys! In what is perhaps an abandonment of old social protocols, “guys” now means, in the vernacular, men AND women. Easier and shorter than saying “ladies and gentlemen” or (cringe) “gentlepersons.” Check it out the next time you (safely) go to a restaurant. The server will probably say, “can I get you guys anything to drink?” To us old-timers I would say, “just go with it.” Don’t be easily offended or crotchety.

“God rest ye merry” is an old English way of saying, “God give you peace.” It is to help us chase away disturbing clouds of despair. Sharing the peace in worship is still a comforting, soothing time as we prepare our hearts to receive our Lord’s body in the palms of our hands.

This morning when I came into my office, there was a message on my phone. I did not recognize the name. I returned the call, and on the other end was a man in desperate need of prayer. He had a disturbing vision and needed to share it. “…to save us all from Satan’s power.” I hope my prayer was comforting and JOYful. In this season of celebration, we reflect wistfully about those who are anything but comfortable and joyous. This season is for them. Those who are sick of heart, mind, and spirit. The gladsome tidings of joy bring out the yearnings of our souls. No matter who we are or what we have done, Christ will be born anew again in us. We will share and spread that joy with green currency passed out our car window to the angel with the cardboard sign. We will share and spread that joy with quilts given to shelters. We share and spread that joy, our vision of the One who comes again to save us with an undeserved, unconditional love.

Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you during this holy season of expectation.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Art