Merry Christmas, that's an order!

Merry, per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means delightful, mirthful, marked by festivity, quick, brisk, blithe, jocund, jovial, or jolly. The antonym for merry is miserable. Have an Unmiserable Christmas! This doesn't quite have the same ring, does it? Here's the interesting thing; the phrase "Have a merry Christmas!" could be an imperative. This means it just might be a command. God and Jesus basically speak in commands. Whenever we're saying "Merry Christmas" to someone or they're saying it to us, someone may be giving someone else an order! This is certainly in accord with the Scriptures. We've looked at it before; in Luke 2:10-11 it says, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" "Do not be afraid." "Fear not," it says in the King James. This is a command. You and I are ordered to cease and desist from our fear. It is forbidden. To fear is to reject God and His Son born to redeem us. For me fear and misery are twins. Have a Fearless Christmas! This might be a greeting (or command) I like better, but I'll receive all the Merry Christmas commands in the Spirit they're given to me. "Yes, Lord. I choose by faith to be merry and unafraid this Christmas. I do this only because I know this will please You and You alone give me the power to do it."

What kinds of fears tempt you around the Christmas season? How do you fend them off? Are you choosing to be merry or miserable this Advent season?