One of the celebrations of the Christmas season I attended was a Ladies Night of Music. Round tables of eight, elegantly decorated with red table cloths, pine bough center pieces and trays of goodies, filled the foyer of a large church. Women’s voices mingled into a blend of laughter and pleasant conversations, while the aroma of cinnamon and apples permeated the area. Several song sheets sat expectantly on each table.
One of the songs we sang was to the tune of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” (Lyrics by Becki Warnock) Sing along with me.
“God Keep You Women Strong in Faith”
God keep you women strong in faith – Don’t give your joy away.
Remember all God gave to us – that blessed Christmas Day.
He sent a tender Shepherd when we had gone astray.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
God keep you women strong in faith – let nothing steal your joy.
Remember God’s good word to Eve – the serpent He’d destroy.
And for that fight He sent the best in Mary’s sacred boy.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
God keep you women strong in faith – let nothing steal your peace.
We’re promised there’s no ending to His government’s increase,
And in Messiah’s name shall all oppression one day cease.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
*God keep you women strong in faith – let nothing steal your praise.
*Remember on this Christmas your voices to God be raised;
*Your Savior sings over you now and unto endless days.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
*Lyrics by Rita
My hope for all of us is that we would not be so distracted with the baking, sending cards, decorating, cooking, cleaning, getting ready for company or attending the festivities of the season that we take our eyes away from the miracle of Jesus leaving His throne of glory and the riches of heaven to come to our dark earth; to become the perfect God-Man on a cold, starry night 2000 Decembers ago. And the reason for whom He came.
Praise is the sure sign you’re enjoying, yes, delighting in, Jesus – the reason we celebrate Christmas.
May the peace, comfort and joy of Christmas linger in your hearts and home all through the new year.