The opening lines to my favorite Christmas carol are simple, repeated constantly during the month of December: ‘O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.”
As a little girl, I loved singing those words – and usually quite loudly. Oh, because didn’t I just feel like the embodiment of that faith and joy in the heady midst of childhood? Happy, vibrant and presumably so innocent? It was easy to sing about being faithful, joyful and triumphant. Jesus came, I was saved. End of story.
As I got older, the words became strangely convicting. Lord, it was so easy to think, I’m none of those things. I’m not as faithful as I really should be; you’re kind of on the back burner right now. I need to finish school/get that promotion/figure out my life. I’ll chat with you later. So often I’m sad, or depressed – not joyful at all. And how in the world can I be, ‘triumphant’ with all that’s going on? No way.
It became easier to doubt myself, and to question the true reality of my faith. It’s hard not be become self-deprecating and discouraged during one of the happiest months of the year. A time that is celebrated with strings of lights and bright trees can prove, for some, to be a very dark place.
It’s during those rough moments of self-doubt that we need to remember – this month isn’t about us at all. This isn’t a celebration of self. It’s about the One who came.
Christmas is a reminder of the true embodiment of faith that was sent: Jesus. Galatians 3:23 simply refers to him as, ‘faith’ itself in the following: ‘Now, before faith came we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.” He is the true definition of faith, a physical illustration of the faithful. What a joy it is to know that Jesus was born, that he has given us the chance to be vulnerable and open with our King. It is in him that we are healed of the flesh, and have the chance to take part in the coming Kingdom.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
So come, all you broken, discouraged, and sad. Come, you who feel the lingering ache of heartbreak and despair, those plagued by guilt, a nervous mind, or are worried about the looming, fast approaching reality of the future. Come, all you who can be faithful, joyful, and triumphant. A child has been born, one that gives us the unalterable ability to be joyful and triumphant in God’s name and for His glory.
Author: Meghan Kraft – My oldest child and beautiful adult daughter. Of course, I’m biased.
Oh that we still had the faith of the babies we once were. Meghan, many don’t even realize that they’ve changed and have become complacent in the Lord. I feel like you are talking about evaluating our intentions toward our walk. You are fortunate to have pulled it apart and realized it isn’t as simple as it once was. I think when people realize they’re not really happy, they don’t know where to turn. Even Christian folks…”why am I not happy?” …”I love the Lord.” …”how come it’s not as simple as it once was?” Then I think people get frightened and confused. How lovely that you realized it’s only with Christ can we realize how our walk has changed and how He is nudging us to grow. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home, so when I sang those songs, I got the most enjoyment out of how many presents Santa was going to bring me. It’s only now, as I struggle to remember the words to some of the season’s most tender tunes, that I choke up with joy as I now know Who I’m singing to. (fortunately I’m not in a choir! LOL) Like you, the words take on new meaning, new depth, and help to condition my heart as I fall even more deeply in love with the One who now has my full attention. Still, I love the picture you paint as a little girl perhaps spinning as you sang the songs you loved the most with that great big beautiful smile of yours. I can see that the Lord instilled such joy in you then, and now as your walk continues further down His path ever exploring deeper understanding and finding deeper joy. Thank you for this piece, Meghan. Why can’t we sing these songs all year long? Have a blessed Christmas, dear one!
Miss Meghan, How precious is your insight. Songs can bring back a memory or start a new one. It sounds like both happened for you. Your voice is so beautiful and I know music speaks to you. Sing like never before for Him.
I am grateful to see you taking after your sweet mother in writting. Your picture is adorable. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Love, Mrs. Young 🙂