Cheers

Making your way in the world today

Takes everything you’ve got

Taking a break from all your worries

Sure would help a lot

Wouldn’t you like to get away

Sometimes you want to go -  where everybody knows your name

and they're always glad you came

You wanna be where you can see -  our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows your name

Cheers of Boston 2006

Anyone but me willing to admit that this song made the Boston neighborhood pub a place you wanted to go? I loved that show during the Shelly Long years and when we were in Boston a few years ago it was one the places I had to go. Right up there with all the sights of American history, I wanted to see the Cheers bar. (Sorry, Mom)

There was just something about the camaraderie in the cast of characters. I loved the way they shouted, Norm, every time he entered the bar. I think they captured something in that bar that we all crave. As the song says, a place where we are always welcome, a place where we are all the same, a place to take a break from all our worries. A place to be cheered.

Webster defines cheer as something that gladdens or a shout of applause or encouragement. The act of cheering is defined as instilling hope or courage or applauding with shouts.

In the ninth chapter of Matthew twice we read where Jesus says “be of good cheer” to those whom he healed. In chapter 14, he says to the disciples “be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” You’ll have to get out your King James Version to find that wording. But if you go to your NIV or NLT you’ll see these words “be encouraged” or “take courage.” Who knew Jesus read Webster! I believe we can say all through the Gospels we see Jesus spreading cheer; welcoming people, instilling hope and courage and offering relieve from our worries.

But then how could it have been any other way, the angels announced at his birth that he had come to bring us cheer. Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all the people” (Luke 2L10 KJV)

“O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits at Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark’s shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel”
　
Just before his arrest Jesus is pouring out his heart to his disciples preparing them for the things to come and he concludes with these words. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33 KJV) Other translations read, take heart!

Let’s go spread a little Christmas Cheer! Someone one needs to hear you call their name and welcome them this holiday season. Let’s instill hope and offer encouragement.

Cheers Everyone! Jesus is here!

Thanks for listening
See you next Sunday,
Ronda

• When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19
• Worry weighs a person down;an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25
• A cheerful look brings joy to the heart… Proverbs 15:30