DAY FIVE: An Eternal Hope, for Each and Every One

As the morning dawns and the church bells ring, Christmas Day ushers in a newfound sense of hope.

No matter what this past year has looked like for you (or in Scrooge’s case, the past evening of adventures through space and time!), ultimately, the heart of Christmas is this: hope. It’s a hope that can’t be found in a pretty package, a house full of family, the assurances of a politician, or the promises of a loved one. A living, breathing hope can only be realized through a living, breathing Savior, born among us as a baby all those years ago.

He is the living Hope we celebrate.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12).

Even though we will probably never experience a Christmas Eve as eventful as the one Scrooge just lived through (at least we hope not!), we can choose to wake up Christmas morning and live our lives differently. Actually, we can choose to wake up every morning and live differently.
We can choose generosity toward others. We can choose to pursue joy in every circumstance. We can choose contentment over complaint. We can choose the mercy of judgment.

How?

By embracing the One who embodies all of those qualities, by embracing Jesus. The hope Jesus offers through his birth is a “today” hope and an eternal hope. It never ends and it never changes. If we choose to accept his saving grace and be forgiven—in ways that far exceed Scrooge’s transformation—we can be made wholly new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Will you accept that transforming hope this Christmas?

Maybe you were walking with Jesus a long time ago but you’ve fallen away in recent years. Maybe this is your first time hearing about a hope that can change everything. Whatever your circumstance, choose today to say yes to Jesus.

Like Scrooge, we’re called to come face to face with our shortcomings, admit to God we are sinners, turn to Jesus who paid the price on the cross, and willingly walk towards the new life offered through him.

It’s as simple—and life-changing—as that.

In this season, we have a reason to rejoice that transcends mere circumstances. The favor of God has been extended to us through His son, Jesus. Tiny Tim famously said it best: “God bless us, everyone!” And God does just that.

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Day 5 Question: How can Christmas inspire a sense of newfound hope in you? Have you received the hope of forgiveness and a new life from Jesus by simply asking him? What are some ways you can pass on that eternal hope to everyone you meet?

For Reflection: Ephesians 2:4-10

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Jump into the world of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol by listening to episode 1 of the companion podcast on The Bridge Podcast Network here!

Do you have questions about Jesus? Please explore our CONNECT TO JESUS video and resources on The Bridge.

Additional Scrooge Resources:

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Podcast
Be entertained and inspired by a fresh retelling of the Christmas classic. You know the story of A Christmas Carol, but you’ve never heard it like this. Get drawn into the powerful story of forgiveness and redemption in this all-new audio experience starring Hollywood pros like Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, and Juliet Mills.
Be a Scrooge - Sermon Series Guide
This Christmas, discover the transformative power of Jesus through the unlikely story of Ebenezer Scrooge. In this three-week sermon series, we'll explore the biblical themes of redemption, forgiveness, and hope found in A Christmas
Be A Scrooge - Worship Playlist
Worship ministry ideas to accompany Be a Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Sermon Series. Songs that invite your congregation into a journey of heart transformation, much like Scrooge’s, moving from a place of darkness and despair into the light of grace, renewal, and celebration.
Be A Scrooge - Children's Sunday School Guide
Four complete Sunday School lessons to share scripture for life with young people through the lense of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.
Be a Scrooge - Family Discussion Guide
Three weeks of guided family discussion and application of scripture to life, through the lense of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.
Be A Scrooge - Family Activity Pack
This fun Family Activity Guide will help you make the most of the podcast experience. Each of the four Scrooge episodes has an interactive object lesson to guide your family into meaningful discussions through fun activities.