Tuesday, December 14, 2010

"Bah, Humbug!"

Yup, I just can't let this season pass without mentioning one of my favorite Christmas movies, "A Christmas Carol", based on the book by Charles Dickens.

Hollywood made a few versions, but I grew up watching the 1951 version with Alastair Sim playing the title role of Ebenezer Scrooge, so I'm partial to that one and consider it a "classic". 

The wonderful thing about the movie is that the the basic message of man's redemption not only remains intact, but is also highlighted in a way that undoubtedly would not be part of a modern day screenplay. I love how we rejoice in the conversion of an old, amoral curmudgeon ("Oh Spirit - can't you find some younger man to save?"), into one whose abundantly generous nature leads people to say that he epitomizes the spirit of Christmas. 

How perfectly does this illustrate God's desire to offer us His "Divine Exchange". He wants to take our wretched sin nature, and give us His Divine nature, in its place. He sent His Son to be born into time, so that we might be "born again" to live eternally with Him.

So, at this time of year, if you're tempted to give up on that loved one that rebuffs you with a "Bah, Humbug!" each time you try to speak to him about your new life in Christ, don't despair - if God can redeem Ebenezer Scrooge, He can redeem anyone - and He DOES! Thank You, Lord!!!

Maria McKiernan

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