“…Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love,
steadiness, courtesy… to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be
extravagantly generous… that is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6:11-19 MSG
The
Man Who Invented Christmas,
the movie about how Charles Dickens writes A Christmas Carol in six weeks, is both creative and delightful. In
19th century England, only 40% of the people attend church;
organized religion is on the decline. Theology and science clash. An effort for
Christian revival comes from London pastor, Charles Spurgeon, and an American
evangelist, Dwight Moody, who preach revivals in Great Britain. At the same
time Darwin’s theory of evolution and Freud’s psychology attack the Christian
worldview. Dickens' story, A Christmas
Carol, offers an enormous impact, bringing an optimistic and
transforming message during this dark time.
God’s
1st century Christmas story brings the same message of
transformation - possibility of change, potential to be more, and a plan of
redemption. In Dickens' story, the main character gets a glimpse into his past
and sees the realities of his present and gloom of his future if he chooses to
continue living a life of greed and selfish disregard for others. One certain
truth with any life review is this: The past is
gone, but the choices we make in our present moments greatly determine our
future. At
Christmas we celebrate the day when Grace comes into the world, when Perfect
Love rescues you and me.
Our
world today is sadly very much like England in the 1800’s, with a decline in
church attendance, with clashing world views between Christian theology and
science. We are more modern, with infinitely improved technologies; yet, the
world tells us the same lies –power and greed and social status matter most. Most
of our cities struggle with increased homelessness, recurrent violence, and
spiritual darkness.
The
ending of the movie reminds us that the joy of living is found in “kindness,
friendship, and generosity.” In Christ, we have been given an “indescribable
gift”! These thoughts reflect Paul’s words about righteous living. Let us live Christmas every day, live
righteous lives for Christ, live in wonder, faith, and love, live doing good,
helping others, being extravagantly generous! Let us live with great Hope! ~dho
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