What is it that we enjoy so much about characters like the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge? They are absolutely, 100% against Christmas from the get-go. Not of speck of their being makes me want to celebrate the holidays with them around.
And yet, there is something to be said about them. I think part of it is that we relate to them, even if it's in small ways. We selfishly want to hoard all of our money, ignore the needs of others, look out for number one and avoid those repetitive Christmas songs at the grocery store. Am I right? I am, because I know that I think like this on occasion. I sometimes feel like the Grinch who wants to be left alone or Scrooge who feels that Christmas is just another "excuse to pick a man's pocket every 25th of December." I feel awful when I type that out, but I know it's true. I'm just as rotten as the Grinch and just a stingy as Scrooge. (shudders)
I think the real reason we love those stories of our Christmas villains, is that we resonate with them in many ways. They were feeling lost and broken, but then were transformed. THAT'S where I enjoy those characters. When I see them go from terrible, awful creatures that couldn't care one iota for another living soul, to feeling and repentant beings who want another chance, my heart is warmed.
They weren't redeemable. They were quote-end-quote despicable and utterly lost to the darkest reaches of their souls. How could they possibly be redeemed? They were! And it's beautiful. It makes me tear up. Here's the clincher: I was that utterly lost and depraved. I could not possibly save myself. I didn't. As a true follower of Jesus, I know that He has saved me. I have been saved from the wretchedness of myself.
Then the good news is...
"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flocks at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:8-11
Don't miss that! There has been born a Savior which will be for ALL PEOPLE. This means everyone, even those that have committed some terrible sin. This is for those that don't feel worthy enough. It's for those who don't care at all how awful they are. This is for those who choose to wear black on Christmas because their soul has become bitter. It is for everyone. No one is unredeemable. God made sure of that.
He looked at you and said, "You're my creation. You're lost, hurting and broken, but you are Mine. I love you and I will rescue you."
For His glory He came to rescue the world. "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
So, are you a Christmas villain this year? God sees your heart and yet He chooses to redeem you.
Yorumlar