“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is a well-known Christmas carol dating back to the 1500s that details Christ’s glorious entry into the world as an infant. Each stanza ends with a simple refrain, “Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.”  

As you step into the full and, at times, chaotic holiday season, you may be feeling anything but comforted and joyful. With events, activities, family, travel, gift-buying, and Christmas cooking threatening to topple our to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Advent. Without anchoring ourselves to the truth of God’s Word, we’ll be left longing for lesser comforts that ultimately won’t satisfy.

Winfree Brisley rightly points out in a recent article that longing is a natural part of Advent. As Christians, we long for Christ’s return even as we celebrate his coming to earth so many years ago. The Gospel Coalition’s new resource, Unto Us: 25 Advent Devotions About the Messiah, will help you tune your longings to Christ instead of lesser things. Winfree reminds us that “whether we’re entering this Advent season distracted or weary, anxious or doubting, hoping or hurting, we need to take a good look at Jesus. We need to remember he’s the Messiah who came and is coming again.”

Regardless of the chaos this season brings to your days, you can find comfort in remembering the precious truth that “Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.” Truly, we have “tidings of comfort and joy!”

Much love,

Courtney

P.S. As you consider your goals in light of the coming new year, is writing on your list? If so, TGC wants to help you grow in this calling. Join the editorial team for an 8-week cohort for Christians who want to think deeply about writing, develop their craft, and establish God-honoring writing habits. You’ll receive practical training covering all aspects of writing from the first draft to publication. Register today!