December 15th, 2020

C. Hayden

 

Continuing on the same theme as our previous Pastor’s Blog, this week we re-visit the movie, “A Christmas Carol.” After viewing the animated version of the film with my grandson almost every evening during his visit last week, I decided to watch the more mature, 1951 black and white version (Also goes by the title “Scrooge” in Britain), starring Alistair Sim (He was just fantastic as Scrooge). There are many tender and memorable moments shared by both offerings of this film. One of my favorite scenes (seen in the animated film as well as the 1951 version) brings the revelation that Charles Dickens, the author of this timeless tale, had a keen understanding that Christ is truly at the center of this Christmas story.

In a particularly heart tugging moment of the film (I begin tearing up every single time), Bob Cratchit, agonizing over his critically ill son (Tiny Tim), is with his family describing a time where he and Tiny Tim are attending Church together, Cratchit recalls the moment, while sitting in the pew together, his crippled, slowly dying son tells his father that “he doesn’t mind people looking at him in church because he was a cripple, as it might be pleasant for them to remember upon Christmas Day, the One Who made lame beggars walk and blind men see”. Tiny Tim sees the value of his own condition puts aside his own needs, recognizing that God can use his difficulty to reach and touch the hearts of others who are in more need then he is. What a deep message for us. Not that God makes us sick so that He can reach others (that is a misinterpretation). But our Lord can use all things for our good and the good of others (2 Corinthians 12:10).

 

Romans 8:28, Amplified version, says it like this. “We are assured and know that all things work together and are [ fitting into a plan ] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” Tiny Tim knows this truth and is thinking more of others than he does of himself. On December 25th, Central Christian Church will be serving a Christmas Day meal to those that may have no where else to go or family to be with. If you have time and are available, feel free to join us on Christmas Day as we reach into our community, inviting all to come in to minister to those in need, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

 

Be blessed even more. Enjoy this wonderful Christmas time!

 

Pastor Chris