“Merry” is a better word than we usually think it is.
While today, we use the word to mean cheerfully, gleefully, happily grinny… that is not what the word originally meant.
When Shakespeare, renaissance historians, or hymn-writers use the word, “merry” it is stronger than our modern usage.
Robin Hood’s Merry Men were not party animals. Shakespeare’s Generals, when encouraging soldiers to be Merry did not want them to be laughing and taking it easy. And when carolers sang of the need for us to rest, merry, they didn’t want us to relax and think happy thoughts of sugar plums.
To be ‘merry’ was to be strong, heartened, courageous, and faithful. The Merry Men of Nottingham lived sacrificial lives, devoted to ending tyranny with the strength of their will, the vision of their leader, and their amazing archery-skills. Shakespeare’s historical leaders fought against all odds, storming the walls once more, expecting to lose but hoping for victory. And the carolers were aware that winter is harsh, that pain seems to rule creation, that standing in the storm requires strength, perseverance, and faith.
When I wish you a Merry Christmas, I am not hoping that you laugh a lot. I am hoping that you strengthen your resolve to live for that infant King. I am encouraging us to fear not, though the dark seems strong. I am desiring to see Christ’s Kingdom storm the gates of hell and bring the glad tidings to all who will hear.
Merry Christmas, indeed!