It was 1843, and a dense, despairing fog hung over Victorian England. Yet even this haze could not hide the sharp divide between the ultra-wealthy and the struggling working class. Plagued by the harsh realities he saw each day, Charles Dickens was inspired to write a novel about a character we all know – Ebenezer Scrooge!
The day Scrooge walked into our world, the light of hope cut through the fog of despair. Today, the powerful storyline of A Christmas Carol still speaks to us, mirroring our weaknesses and reminding us that no matter how deeply someone is lost or how far they have strayed, it is never too late to change!
There was no question that Ebenezer Scrooge had changed! People saw it in his actions. Grateful for his redemption from pride, greed, and fear, he eagerly shared his story and served others with a heart full of joy.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those He redeemed from the hand of the foe (Psalm 107:1-2, NIV).
This Christmas, as you remember the birth of our Savior, consider how God’s gift of salvation has changed your life. How will you give thanks to the Lord for the grace in which this precious gift was given? How will you tell your story?
Just as Scrooge’s transformation impacted his entire community, our renewed hearts can also impact others. The stories we share about God’s work in our lives serve as beacons of hope to those who are searching for change, because the power of a redeemed life is undeniable!
We are privileged to see that power reflected in the comments we receive daily from people on our spiritual fitness platforms. We hope you’ll be encouraged by them as well …
"Thanks for this lesson today. I love Gary and his great way of sharing God’s message. I pray I can share God’s goodness with others and be pleasing to Him. In Jesus name, Amen." – Mary
"I will definitely take time with my disciple to thank the Lord for our fellow believers around the world. We will pray that they continue to honor Him in all they do, and that their faith remains strong and vibrant. It’s amazing how our local fellowship can connect us to the broader body of Christ, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support and pray for our brothers and sisters globally." – Emy Jane
"The post has given wonderful strategies for dealing with the pressures we face when it comes to our relationship and walk with the lord. I thank God for allowing me to focus on him because he meets all my needs. I thank God for the people he places in my life." – G
"I think my life is different from the lives of unbelievers. I just started this series but over the past month or so, I would say that I have grown spiritually in some small ways." – K
"Loved the message of self-control. To be an overcomer, we must walk in the spirit. Thank you for this encouragement today!" – L
"Love BTTBible, thank you for staying the course no matter how tough or how challenging it gets in a world that is not the most receptive to JESUS. Your ministry continues to inspire me. And as always, we so appreciate the ongoing prayers at BTTB for our businesses here in California." – GBY all
"Wow! This video was right at point in explaining temptation in porn and how easy it is to see in any social media platform." – anonymous
"I want to say a heartfelt “Thank you” to the ENTIRE staff, yourself included for the ministry of Back to the Bible. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it, but the backtothebible link I hit on my phone is one of the ‘rocks’ to my day. There are so many messages that just ‘stick’ to me and with me. I love reading and adding an “Amen” or my own few words to add on top of what others have said. It really makes me feel even more like I’m a part of a community and I miss that." – Rich
This Christmas, rather than focus on our flaws or someone else’s mistakes, let’s remember the power – GOD’S POWER – to make all things new.
Just as Ebenezer Scrooge was completely transformed, we too are given the opportunity for new beginnings. Scrooge’s heart, once filled with greed and bitterness, was made new, and he became a man of generosity and compassion. Let's embrace that same transformative power, remembering that in Christ, we are made new.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
Embrace your new life and live in the freedom of God's redemptive love.
Merry Christmas. God Bless Us, Everyone!