![]() We were created for fellowship with God, and are designed to be completely known by our Creator. A great gift says, “I know you love this kind of music, so I think you’ll enjoy this,” or “I know you enjoy this hobby, so this might come in handy.” The very best gifts – large and small – all convey this important message: “I know you.” A great gift lets the recipient know that you care enough to know something about their interests, their hobbies, their passions, their likes and dislikes. But even a personal hand-made gift can be a dud if, for instance, it reflects your Aunt Sally’s love for knitting rather than your love for sweaters. ![]() The most impersonal gift exchange imaginable would involve family members exchanging $20 bills with one another. Then how about to buy their love? Try this, and you’ll soon learn what the Beatles already know: “Can’t buy me love.” Do we give it to prove that we love them? Well, if they don’t already know this it’s unlikely that anything you can tie up with a bow will get the point across. Do we give somebody a gift to provide something they’re not able to purchase themselves? Not usually. To deal with this particular ghost, it’s good to think a bit about what a gift is really for. We wind up giving gifts we can’t afford, trying to prove our love or buy the love of others, or letting fear that our gift will somehow be inadequate steal the joy that is inherent in the act of giving to another. The simple act of gift giving often isn’t so simple after all. The Ghost of Christmas Present also reminds us that being aware of the struggles faced by others and doing something about it - perhaps by supporting the good work of an organization like the Salvation Army or World Vision – can bring a new depth to your Christmas joy.īut it’s another kind of “Christmas present” that often trips us up – the Christmas presents we give to one another. God is faithful, and like then Apostle Paul we can learn to be content regardless of our situation. It’s good to remember that we don’t’ have to be overwhelmed by our circumstances. Despite their struggles, they’re still happy – a truth that astonishes Scrooge. ![]() ![]() In the Dickens tale, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a tour of the happiest and saddest moment from his past life.Įven without a ghostly escort, you’re likely to have plenty of memories – both happy and sad – associated with Christmas.ĭickens has the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge the meager celebrations of the Cratchitt family, including the plight of their crippled son, Tiny Tim. Perhaps what’s needed is a Christmas Carol of your own – an encounter with past, present and future that will bring you back to your very own point of “God bless us, every one.” You’re almost certainly not a Scrooge – but a bit of the old “Bah Humbug” can creep into any Christian’s life each year as the commercial and social demands of the Christmas season threaten to obscure the quiet birth of that special baby so long ago. Magoo in the lead role.) Ebeneezer Scrooge, who cares more about money than people, is visited by three spirits – the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come – who show him the error of his ways. (Some insist that the 1938 film with Reginald Owen is the definitive version, while purists like myself prefer the 1962 version with Mr. The story is universally known, having been played out in dozens of movies and TV specials. That’s an odd way to begin a Christmas story, but it’s how Charles Dickens opens “A Christmas Carol.” Written to pay off a debt, the story of Scrooge being haunted by three ghosts is one of the world’s most enduring Christmas tales – perhaps second only to the original story of Christmas (the one with the wise men and shepherds). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |