Happy Christmas!

I definitely prefer happy over merry. Don't ask why, although it may or may not have to do with my love for Harry Potter. And the beautiful accent that Hermione Granger gives it. Or maybe because I just want to go to London. Or maybe it is because I've been pondering the word happy recently (see Duet. 33:29). Or maybe it's simply because I'm running on about 2-2.5 hours of sleep. Worth it though, staying up all Christmas eve with mum & sis watching The Holiday, Meet Me in St. Louis, and White Christmas / cooking for Christmas, then rising early--to a breathtaking scene of SNOW, my first white Christmas--to cook breakfast then open gifts.

Merry vs. Happy. [wow, what a tangent! this was not planned!]
Whereas merry is more about a lively & cheerful feeling, happy evokes a inward feeling & an outward showing of pleasure or contentment. It can also evoke a sense of confidence and/or satisfaction. And doesn't that say so much more than Merry Christmas? Cause, let me tell you, I wasn't feeling the 'merry' feeling today. *cue next tangent...* Not because of the gifts or the company (both oh so wonderful!), but for two reasons. 1) mad at myself for being in such want, when i know psalm 23:1...the LORD is my shepherd, i shall not want. and 2) on behalf of a friend who texted me late last night a not-so-happy text and I've been worried about her. Jesus came and lived a life much like our own, so he could empathize and help us through the things we go through. In the same way, I find myself incredibly attached to that same feeling in others. So, maybe I like happy better, because I did have a happy day. Today should be a happy day, in general. Ya know, that whole God-now-with-us thing? Immanuel? I take pleasure in that. I rest in contentment in His arms. It's a struggle, yes. But aren't all good things just that? But I have confidence that His victory overcomes me everyday. I have confidence that daily, as I seek Him, He will continue filling me up and satisfying me with His fragrant love. That is why I am happy. Because all of that started with a birth. All of that pleasure and contentment and confidence and satisfaction started in the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Oh how beautiful. Oh happy day.

My new favorite song this holiday season would have to be "This Christmas Day" by Mandi Mapes from the Church @ Brook Hills. You probably can't find this online...just ask me, and I can put it on a CD for you :)

Light of the world
in flesh appearing
sent down to darkness
to bring us peace
the Hope of men
promised from the beginning
the longed for Messiah
Savior King

and all the ends of the world
will praise His name
and all the people will sing
about this day
for redemption has come
He has made a way
for His saints
this Christmas day

His name shall be
Jesus Immanuel
the Shepherd of Israel
to call His sheep
His voice will be heard
proclaiming the Kingdom
forgiveness and freedom
for all who believe

and all the ends of the world
will praise His name
and all the people will sing
about this day
for redemption has come
He has made a way
for His saints
this Christmas day

i was a prisoner
but He broke my chains
He gave me freedom
and He washed away my shame
He opened up my eyes
and He gave me His name
i am forgiven
and it's all because He came
it's all because He came
it's all because He came
it's all because He came

and all the ends of the world
will praise Your name
and all the people will sing
about this day
for redemption has come
You have made a way
for Your Church
this Christmas day

so, a Happy Christmas to one and all! for Emmanuel has come. the victory is won. i am confident in that. and i want my life to show that. and who else could ever satisfy my soul but the God who gave up everything to have an intimate relationship with me?

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