The ability of the Christmas spirit...
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The ability of the Christmas spirit to transform lives and restore fellowship is aptly illustrated in Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol." Everyone is familiar with the miser Scrooge whose attitude toward Christmas, as with life itself, was "Bah! Humbug!" Then on Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of Marley, his late business partner. In three visions -- Christmas past, present, and yet to come -- Scrooge glimpses his life as a schoolboy, then as an apprentice and young lover; followed by the joyous home of Bob Cratchit, his underpaid clerk, and what his lot would be if he were to die now, heartless and despised. These revelations redeemed his disposition, transforming Scrooge to a cheerful, benevolent, and friendly caretaker. Awakening Christmas morning with a renewed countenance, a jubilant Scrooge whoops, "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!" It is indeed a joyous time for those who capture the true message Christmas.
Recall though, Scooge's change of heart came only with an epiphany. It was only when he saw the three ghosts -- the three signs -- of Christmas past, present, and future that he realizes he had to reorient his life. It was a sign that he needed to turn from his money bags to the turkey hanging in the window. It was a sign that his life could be redeemed.
Isaiah realized his people were disturbed because they had no sign from God that they would be liberated. They lived with doubt and wondering. With this uncertainty sought some kind of sign to indicate they would be liberated from their present destitute state. This is when Isaiah shared with them these prophetic words, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." And I am sure, once assured of this promise, their hearts became as light as a feather.
We do not know the mysteries of the Holy Spirit and how God communicates with us. Seldom is it as pronounced as the three visions that appeared to Scrooge, but if we are patient the message of assurance will befall upon us. And on that day we shall sing, "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!"
Recall though, Scooge's change of heart came only with an epiphany. It was only when he saw the three ghosts -- the three signs -- of Christmas past, present, and future that he realizes he had to reorient his life. It was a sign that he needed to turn from his money bags to the turkey hanging in the window. It was a sign that his life could be redeemed.
Isaiah realized his people were disturbed because they had no sign from God that they would be liberated. They lived with doubt and wondering. With this uncertainty sought some kind of sign to indicate they would be liberated from their present destitute state. This is when Isaiah shared with them these prophetic words, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." And I am sure, once assured of this promise, their hearts became as light as a feather.
We do not know the mysteries of the Holy Spirit and how God communicates with us. Seldom is it as pronounced as the three visions that appeared to Scrooge, but if we are patient the message of assurance will befall upon us. And on that day we shall sing, "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!"
