Isaiah 9:2-7
One of the most telling scenes in The Muppet Christmas Carol happens after Scrooge, played by Michael Caine, is visited by the first of three different spirits of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas Past resembles a child, filled with a bright light and flying around the bedroom.
“What business has brought you here?” Scrooge asks nervously. The spirit answers, “Your welfare.” Scrooge retorts, “How can a night’s unbroken rest aid my welfare?” In its bright, childlike voice, the spirit answers, “Your salvation, then.”
The “business” of this story is to help this man learn to see the truth of his life and the ultimate direction of the path he walks. As these ghosts show Scrooge scenes from his past, present, and future, he begins to learn how little of his life he truly saw clearly. The spirit of Christmas Past is concerned about the welfare of his soul, but Scrooge has lived such a limited existence that he seems only concerned with whether or not he sleeps through the night. The Christmas spirit has a bigger story in mind.
Isaiah writes, The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined (v. 2). To those whose vision of life has been reduced to gloom, anguish, and diminished possibilities, Isaiah brings a word of light. God has a bigger story in mind for them. A child has been born for them; a son has been given to them. The authority of his counsel, might, eternal presence, and peace will continually grow. This Word has a bigger story in mind for us all. We can learn to see our lives more clearly.
Consider
In what ways do you limit your existence when God has such a bigger picture in mind?
Pray
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy Spirit. Amen.