pattern // comfort & joy

Dear friends, 2016 has been quite a year. Am I wrong? And I'm guessing that "joy" isn't a word that most would associate with this year (even if there have been joyful moments that you've experienced). But "joy" is the fourth candle on the advent wreath, so regardless of how I, how we, feel, I needed to make a joy-themed embroidery pattern to share.

That idea of choosing joy regardless of how we're feeling is one that I made into a pattern and pillow this summer. And I do believe that we can choose to look for joy no matter how horrible we feel (because joy is NOT the same thing as happiness). But as I'd done that phrase already, I wanted another. I also made a set of patterns to go with the song "Joy to the World" a few years back, so that was out.

Then I heard the song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" play on the internet radio station we like to listen to around here.

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 power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy

These lyrics pass by me so quickly sometimes that I don't think on them, but they're too good to miss. Especially in days, months, and years that are difficult, we need a reminder to find rest in the One who loves us. We don't need to be anxious because Jesus arrived on earth to save us. No matter what's going on in and around us, these things should give us comfort and joy.

I could use some comfort and joy, how about you?

DOWNLOAD THE COMFORT & JOY PATTERN PDF

Now, let me take this one step further. Who do you know that could use some comfort and joy? Who are some people you don't know who also need comfort and joy? Maybe it's a friend who is mourning, a homeless family near you, or refugees on the other side of the world.

Think of ways that you can provide these people with comfort and joy, and then make a plan to do those things. Because this is a message we need to share both in words and tangible deeds.

May you find comfort and joy this Christmas and beyond.