“Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.” (First Reading). “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 pow’r/ When we were gone astray. Oh tidings of comfort and joy/Comfort and joy/Oh tidings of comfort and joy.”
Years ago, a young pastor would seize on the anticipation between Thanksgiving and Christmas to teach the history of Christmas Carols. What a joy! One evening we learned about the carol referred to above. What an eye-opener! We learned that there was an almost hidden meaning behind this song. The word “merry” in the Middle Ages meant great and mighty. Then, the word “rest.” really meant to keep or make. Thus, today, to arrive at the true meaning of this carol, we should sing, “May God make you all great and mighty people!” So how would this bring us “Comfort and Joy”?
Men and women who are great are also just and kind. They follow the Law of God but with a heart of mercy of, love and forgiveness. These attitudes help produce a clean conscience “that can sleep through storms” and spread the real message of Christmas even through all the cumbersome activities, distractions, and lack of time and money which invariably rob most people of the true Spirit of Christmas. As great and mighty Christians, we can make a difference this Christmas by living our faith before everyone we meet, especially our families. The next time someone asks us what we are doing or getting for Christmas, we can tell them and remind each other that Christ was born to die and that, in Him, we might live forever. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, is more than just a Christmas carol. It can be our way of thanking God for Jesus: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Gospel)
“Now to the Lord sing praises/ All you within this place/ And with true love and brotherhood/ Each other now embrace/ This holy tide of Christmas/ All other doth deface. Oh tidings of comfort and joy/Comfort and joy/Oh tidings of comfort and joy.”
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”