Advent December 10, 2006
Forgiving Scrooge
Light: "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though you sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us." (Psalm 103:12)
Reflection: While watching A Christmas Carol I was struck by Scrooge's ability to forgive himself and get on with life. He saw his past mistakes, his present mistakes, recognized where they were leading, and made a change.
Crazy old Ebenezer Scrooge encouraged me. He wasted not a minute of grief over his past. Instead of wallowing in guilt over his cruelty, regretting where his choices had taken him, and feeling depressed over age and circumstances, he chose joy. He determined to spend the rest of his days doing good, generously bestowing his love, finances, and attention upon all those he met.
In a funny way, Scrooge reminds me of David. David could have beaten himself up over his past sins, of which there were many. Instead, David worshiped the Lord and got on with his life, knowing he had been forgiven.
Can we allow ourselves to experience that kind of grace? We need to. God wants us to get on with our lives. Once we've asked for forgiveness and repented, God forgives us and describes us as white as snow. To God we look blindingly beautiful in our purity. We can pick ourselves up and praise God, like David, or run out and bring good cheer like Ebenezer.
When someone asks "Are you in the Christmas spirit?" remember that through God's gifts of grace and forgiveness, we can experience the joyous wonder of giving and loving others. Now that's Christmas spirit!
Response: Gracious Father, Sometimes I feel so guilty about the choices I've made. I confess and ask your forgiveness. Help me to accept your forgiveness, and to forgive myself so I can serve you with freedom and joy this Christmas.
Light: "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though you sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us." (Psalm 103:12)
Reflection: While watching A Christmas Carol I was struck by Scrooge's ability to forgive himself and get on with life. He saw his past mistakes, his present mistakes, recognized where they were leading, and made a change.
Crazy old Ebenezer Scrooge encouraged me. He wasted not a minute of grief over his past. Instead of wallowing in guilt over his cruelty, regretting where his choices had taken him, and feeling depressed over age and circumstances, he chose joy. He determined to spend the rest of his days doing good, generously bestowing his love, finances, and attention upon all those he met.
In a funny way, Scrooge reminds me of David. David could have beaten himself up over his past sins, of which there were many. Instead, David worshiped the Lord and got on with his life, knowing he had been forgiven.
Can we allow ourselves to experience that kind of grace? We need to. God wants us to get on with our lives. Once we've asked for forgiveness and repented, God forgives us and describes us as white as snow. To God we look blindingly beautiful in our purity. We can pick ourselves up and praise God, like David, or run out and bring good cheer like Ebenezer.
When someone asks "Are you in the Christmas spirit?" remember that through God's gifts of grace and forgiveness, we can experience the joyous wonder of giving and loving others. Now that's Christmas spirit!
Response: Gracious Father, Sometimes I feel so guilty about the choices I've made. I confess and ask your forgiveness. Help me to accept your forgiveness, and to forgive myself so I can serve you with freedom and joy this Christmas.
posted by Pete Houpt @ 9:09 AM
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