On this very busy, full day leading up to our delicious celebration of Christmas let us take time to breathe and extend much love to our thoughts. What instantly came to my mind was the carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. I just started singining, humming really, this hymn to my teaming thoughts of “Why can’t I get the washing machine door open?” to “Where will we have Christmas lunch?” to “I still miss my loved ones who are not right here with me even though everything is perfect.” Try this yourself. Hold your thoughts (anything you are experiencing in this moment; hot, tired, lost your grocery list, “Will Uncle Bill like his red socks?”) in your awareness and softly sing this beautiful carol to your thoughts. Several times during our holiday this carol has come to mind to sing to my thoughts. It works a treat. What is your favorite hymn or carol you could extend love to your thoughts with?
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
Rest here, ye merry gentle thoughts….
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joyFrom God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
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.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
