Tidings Of Comfort And Joy

“Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea.”  So says part of our first reading from Isaiah (11-1-10).

Today’s political discourse with impeachment hearings having taken place with politicians at swords’ points, reveals none of the above.  The lion desires to eat the lamb; the cow and bear are not neighbors, and the cobra threatens to strike the baby.   Will opposing political sides let a little child by the name of Jesus lead them?  Seems unlikely even with Christmas on their doorstep.

Contrary to the way our Republic is supposed to work with civility and bipartisan cooperation for the benefit of our Nation and its security, as Christmas nears, peace has been set aside in exchange for war of words.

Will shoots sprout from the “stump” of our nation being caused by our government’s leaders?  Where is wisdom and understanding?  Where is counsel and strength to abide by our Constitution and separation of powers?   Is there any fear of the LORD?   Our land is afflicted and divided.

But Christmas nears, and we must be hopeful that division will lessen and there will be good cheer.   The song “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” seems especially appropriate.  It sings: “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."

Deacon David Pierce