Keeping Christmas in our hearts

I love movies. Do you?

Before life got so busy, my daughter and I used to watch movies on the week-ends. But, she grew up and got married and in spite of an empty nest, my life is busier than ever. I cannot remember the last time I went to a movie theater and I seldom view movies at home anymore.

During the Christmas holidays, I had an opportunity to watch “A Christmas Carol.” I’ve seen various formats of this classic many times previously, but this year I saw a new (for me) version–Patrick Stewart as Ebeneezer Scrooge. The movie shared the traditional story line based on the book by Charles Dickens. Scrooge is a miser who mistreats his faithful clerk, abuses his cheerful nephew and refuses to help anyone, even during Christmas.

His former partner (now deceased) visits Scrooge to urge him to change his ways before it’s too late. Three ghosts appear during the night and review Scrooge’s sad past, lost opportunities and his conversion into a miserly and miserable person. After a horrible and frightening night, Scrooge awakens a changed man and vows to keep “Christmas in his heart.”

Christmas in our hearts…

We’ve all heard this before, haven’t we? But, this year, for some reason, Scrooge’s vow resonated more. Perhaps it was Patrick Stewart’s superb portrayal of a miserable old man forever changed by his encounter. Perhaps it was God’s whisper to me.

Aren’t we forever changed by our encounter with Christ?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

At Christmas we celebrate this greatest gift of love to us. Our recognition and acceptance of God’s gift changes us. We become a new person.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

So, like Ebeneezer Scrooge (not the best example, I know), we are a new person and our actions should reflect that. Scrooge became a kind man, he shared his wealth to help others, he reconciled with his family and spent time and money to help Tiny Tim achieve better health.

How can we keep Christmas in our hearts all year? One way, as Jesus explains, is that we love one another.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Love isn’t just an emotion. Love is a verb.

Love is an action.

There are many ways we can love our neighbor and extend a helping hand.

 

 

It may be through volunteer work.

 

You know best what will work for you. I pray that you will prayerfully consider how God wants you to show your love for your neighbor this year.

Let’s keep Christmas in our hearts for 2018!