On Christmas Eve no doubt many of you read or watch A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It was written in 1843 and is a classic. You may recall the story where Ebenezer Scrooge, known for his miserly behaviour, is visited by three "ghosts" - the ghosts of “Christmas Past”, “Christmas Present” and “Christmas Future.” This Christmas it is easy to reflect and remain stuck on “Christmas Past” - grieving and lamenting Christmas traditions and missing loved ones.
However, Scrooge is changed by his dream and his transformation is remarkable. Realising that he has more life to live and more to give, Scrooge has an awakening. Scrooge declares, “I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future!”.
This year, may we be free to celebrate Christmas Present, knowing we have been shaped by Christmas Past and remain hopeful and joyful for Christmas Future. A child has been born for us, a Son is given to us and authority rests on His shoulders and His name is Jesus.
“Laughing and crying in the same breath,” Scrooge exclaims, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody!” May the joy of the birth of a Saviour fill us to overflowing.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you, Pastor Michele