Holiday Cheer
Christmas brings good cheer to lots of people, mostly of the kid variety. While it is is for many adults a time of stress, or materialism, it is a merry season of hearty rejoicing for others. This second group is where we want to find ourselves this year, and always.
the holiday spirit
This good cheer or merrymaking is an expression of an old idea. It is heard in the blowing of trumpets. It is seen in the unfurling of banners. It is felt when all seems right in the world. It is the reflection of the Glad King ruling in his gladness. His jolly laugh is present in the strong and childlike joy of Tom Bombadil, in the hearty gladness of the Ghost of Christmas Present, and even shows itself in the concept of jolly old Saint Nicholas. These are, as far as they go, derivations of the great gladness of the True King, the Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns in joyful exuberance. And the holidays are a time when we can easily partake in the mighty voice of his good cheer.
God’s holiday
The magic of Christmastime is an emblem of a greater holiday, the Lord’s own holy day. Every first day of the week is God’s holiday. That’s right, God’s people get a holiday every week. On this special day we are to embody a level of good cheer that surpasses the celebrations of Christmas. This does not mean that we always have happy Sundays (Christmas, after all, is a reminder of loss as well as love), but it does mean that we will celebrate the Lord no matter what. For he reigns in tremendous gladness and will bring all things to a good end for his people whom he loves.
The true holiday to come
The Lord’s Day is not the final holiday. It is an emblem of the coming eternal Day when good cheer shall reign in God’s children forevermore. Eternity is the real Sabbath Day. In that place we will taste joy and gladness undiluted by sin or sorrow. Then we will toast our accomplished salvation. We will be swept up in exhilaration and expectancy that never ends. Great wonders will come true before our eyes. Everything shall be wrapped up for us in the Lord Jesus Christ. We will see his face, we will hear his voice, and we will partake in his mighty good cheer forever and ever. Amen.