From “Humbug to Hallelujah”

25Nov08

Our theme for this Advent season is “From Humbug to Hallelujah.”  We often feel isolated and sometimes depressed during this time of year.  Busy schedules filled with parties, shopping,and church activities sometimes rob us of the joy God intends for us during this season.  Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” is the story of a man who is forced to take stock of his life. Ebenezer Scrooge was confronted with the truth about life and the consequences of his actions.  He had given all his efforts to selfish pursuits.  Instead of bearing fruit that glorified God and served others, he had become a miser full of bitterness and pride.

 

But what about us? It’s easy to fall into a humbug attitude when the pressures of Christmas overwhelm you. This attitude is like a tightening chain around your chest; it squeezes the joy of Christmas out of your heart. Think of some of the humbugs that are pressing on you even now as you get ready for the holidays. (Be honest! Take a moment and offer them up to the Lord.)

 

Some of the things I will touch on in this sermon series are:

•       the unrealistic expectations fueled by commercialism;

•       past family hurts;

•       over-crowded schedules that lead to tensions;

•       maybe you are lonely because a loved one is gone.

 

All of these can take the hallelujahs from our lips. This Advent series is about changing our humbugs to hallelujahs, so we can truly know the joy of Christmas. Like the shepherds after seeing the baby Jesus returning,glorifying and praising God. Luke 2:20

 

I pray that God would reawaken the joy of Christmas for you and your family this Advent

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