REV. CAPT. DR. JOHN S. NILES MSM Sermon Preached at Stouffville United Church Fifth in the Series “A Christmas Carol”…
“The Ghost of Christmas Present”
In the Greek, the word “encourage” means “to call to one’s side, to comfort, to console, to strengthen, to uplift.” That is what Elizabeth was doing not only for Mary but for all of us. Christmas is about being a channel of blessing and a catalyst of hope.
Like the Ghost of Christmas past who visited Scrooge; that messenger
Gabriel sought to shed light on the events of Mary’s life and offer her God’s peace;
and to also offer God’s promise. “You have found favor with God…You will be
with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
The Ghost of Christmas Past – Third Week of Advent – December 12, 2021 – There was a promise of a brighter future Scrooge just as there was for
Mary and for us; but first Mary had to get past her fears.
“The Scrooge That Lurks Within Us All” – because we are concern about what we can get, instead of what we can give….Christmas reminds us to look outward instead of inward.
Christmas isn’t about putting on the religious mask. It is about maintaining a relationship with the Lord. It is about coming clean about what our life is really like. It is about opening ourselves up to God in such a way that we will forever be changed. It is about admitting our need for God. Don’t let your past take from your present, nor taint your future.