May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You
One of my favorite Christmas CDs is one I have had for many years. "Christmas Crooners" is the title of the album, featuring Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin, among others. My favorite song on the CD is sung by Gene Autry, from his Melody Ranch Radio Show which broadcast in 1951. I have often joked that it is Autry's "country fried" rendition of the Irish Blessing, but I love it nonetheless.
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You is a simple little ditty, with an easy-to-whistle melody and catchy lyrics that one can memorize quickly. Perhaps that is why I love this song so much - the simplicity of the tune offers sharp contrast to the complexity of life in these times.
While listening to the CD, I am most often decorating our family Christmas tree with the kids, baking Christmas cookies with my youngest son, delighting in the aroma of spiced apple cider, or enjoying the crackle of the logs in the fireplace - all simple holiday delights which bring much joy and remind me of life's little gifts.
But the greatest gift came to us in the form of amazing love! What God gave was not a mere gift-wrapped present. God's precious and perfect gift sacrificed his only Son so that we, who put our faith in Jesus Christ, will not spend eternity separated from God. All we have to do is accept this gift. Tell someone about God's marvelous gift today! May the peace of knowing Christ rule in your hearts, and may the good Lord bless and keep you 'till we meet again.
Prayer for Today
May the good Lord bless and keep you,
whether near or far away.
May you find that long-awaited golden day today.
May your troubles all be small ones and
your fortunes ten times ten.
May the good Lord bless and
keep you 'till we meet again.
May you walk with sunlight shining and
a bluebird in every tree.
May there be a silver lining back
on every cloud you see.
Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows,
never mind what might have been.
May the good Lord bless and keep you 'till we meet again. Amen.
