Ghosts of Christmas Past
By Susan Klein
“But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is
ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians
3:13b-14 (NIV)
In Charles Dickens’
novel, A Christmas Carol, we are
introduced to “The Ghost of Christmas Past.” This particular ghost takes
Scrooge to revisit events from his earlier years. One event sparks pain, which
Scrooge would just as soon forget. This past hurt has left him a bitter old man
devoid of joy. My guess is that if each of us dug around in the closet of our
own past, we’d likely find a ghost or two lurking about.
Meet Annabel. She’s
been trying for years to have a baby. She’s longed for a Christmas like those
of her childhood, filled with toys and laughter and wonderful memories. Still,
she does not conceive. The ghost of sorrow threatens to rob her of her Christmas
joy once again this year.
Meet Jane. Jane’s
husband lost his job. Again. As hard as Jane works, her children will not find
presents under the tree this year. Jane wonders if they’ll even have enough
money to put food on the table or keep their home. The ghosts of fear and
insecurity taunt Jane until she almost despairs of all hope.
Meet Jackie. Jackie
has been making some wrong choices, the consequences of which have left her
with several broken relationships. Jackie will likely be spending Christmas
alone this year. The ghost of regret is keeping her from worshiping God, feeling
unworthy and unloved.
Like Scrooge, each
one has been deeply affected by the ghosts of their past. Perhaps you, too, are
struggling with finding joy this Christmas due to your own hurts or mistakes. But
Scrooge, when presented by another ghost with a glimpse into his future,
becomes a changed man. He is able to let go of his pain and experience joy
again. So can we!
If we truly know
Jesus Christ as our Savior, we have an eternal hope that far outweighs any
present trial or difficulty. [1] Earthly things need not rob us of true joy,
which springs from God’s gift to us: being redeemed. Undeserved, unearned,
completed-on-the-cross redemption! Like Scrooge, we are no longer chained to
the ghosts of guilt, sorrow or fear. God has gifted us with forgiveness and eternal
security, two precious and irrevocable gifts.
This Christmas may
you leave the ghosts in the past, and blanket yourself with joy as you worship
the Giver of perfect gifts!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What might be hindering your joy
or your worship?
2. Do you have an eternal hope?
FURTHER
READING:
[1] 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group.
She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team,
helping people work through conflict.
