“Keeping Christmas well” is not about signs of our own prosperity, but signs of our own redemption – getting our true selves back so that we might give of ourselves with joy. In this story, Scrooge’s journey is not complete until he reconciles with his family. “Scrooge knocked at the door and asked to be […]
We all have fear of the future to varying degrees, and it affects our behavior, our relationships, our generosity and our ability to truly know the joy of life. The journey of Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is harrowing. He tries to hide and run from it, but to no avail. […]
Epiphany is a word derived from the Greek for “manifestation” and is usually used as a reminder that Jesus is God’s revelation for the whole world. But we also use “epiphany” to describe those moments of deeper understanding and insight – like an “a-ha!” moment. Though our faith in Jesus Christ is grounded in Scripture, […]
A Christmas Carol begins with the reality of death and continues with memories and snapshots of life – grief, loneliness, joy, and community. It is the real stuff of life, which is much like the story surrounding Jesus’ birth. It is a hard story filled with the unexpected and sometimes painful circumstances we face. We […]
At the beginning of the story, Scrooge has a prescription for humanity – the poor have only themselves to blame and would be better off dead. So, when he is visited by the spirit of the present, he is admonished to “look!” because he must really see the truth of a suffering world and his […]
Looking back at our past is sometimes a painful experience, and it requires courage and hope. When the Ghost of Christmas Past makes a visit, Scrooge is immediately afraid of the light that emanates from it. As he begins the terrifying journey, he sheds a tear for the disappointment of his own past and compassion […]
Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? Rawle shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens’ Christmas classic. From the ghosts of Christmas past, to the Life of the present, and the resurrection of Christmas […]
Gratitude can be a powerful spiritual discipline that reminds us of our need for community in Christ. Taking intentional time to thank God opens us to be more aware of all that we can be grateful for. Saying “thank you” is a reminder that we need others – and that others need us. This is […]
We need the basics to survive, like food, clean water, air, sleep, shelter, and security. The need for love and belonging follows close behind. How does a community of faith provide that need, and how can we offer it to others in the name of Jesus? This is the second week in our series, “Belonging: […]
Worship Brainstorming “God Bless Us, Every One: The Redemption of Scrooge” An Advent/Christmas series based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Matt Rawle’s book, The Redemption of Scrooge, and a series from Worship Design Studio/Marcia McFee Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 at Le Fleur Shoppe, 4210 Grand Haven Road, Norton Shores, MI 6:00 p.m. Pizza Potluck 7:00-9:30 […]