Next to the real Christmas story in the Bible, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is probably my favorite Christmas classic. Ebenezer Scrooge was a miserable man who lived a life that revolved around money and material wealth. The ghosts of Christmas come knocking, however, and help him realize his selfishnesses. By the end of the story, Scrooge wakes up and is a radically changed man.
Whenever I think about the story of Scrooge, I think about how Jesus Christ has radically changed millions of lives around the world, including mine. He rescued me from my sin and selfishness and made me a new person.
I was reminded again of this truth in a conversation with a stranger today. I talked to a 63 year-old lady today who was raised Jewish, but now works for a Christian organization. She began to tell me about how she became a Christian. I found her story so fascinating that I asked her to email me her story. In her words, she spent her first 26 years as an "angry Jew." She writes:
Soon, she began to see her need for a Savior. A few weeks later, all alone in a Holland field, she cried out: "I don't know who or what you are , but whoever you are, help me." Right then and there, Jesus Christ changed her life in radical fashion. Here's how she summarizes that Summer of 1970:
Whenever I think about the story of Scrooge, I think about how Jesus Christ has radically changed millions of lives around the world, including mine. He rescued me from my sin and selfishness and made me a new person.
I was reminded again of this truth in a conversation with a stranger today. I talked to a 63 year-old lady today who was raised Jewish, but now works for a Christian organization. She began to tell me about how she became a Christian. I found her story so fascinating that I asked her to email me her story. In her words, she spent her first 26 years as an "angry Jew." She writes:
"I was angry, hurt and alone, always. I went to university, did my Jr. year abroad, and graduated. I became a hippy, a drug addict, and generally checked out of life. I tried pleasing the flesh and the mind with drugs, philosophies, and self indulgence. I was busted for drugs and growing pot in my backyard in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I basically did not want to go to prison so I left the country and went to live in Amsterdam. One night I just did not want to live anymore."
Soon, she began to see her need for a Savior. A few weeks later, all alone in a Holland field, she cried out: "I don't know who or what you are , but whoever you are, help me." Right then and there, Jesus Christ changed her life in radical fashion. Here's how she summarizes that Summer of 1970:
"I KNEW JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD. I KNEW I WAS FORGIVEN...I FELT CLEAN FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME....I knew something the summer of 1970 that has never changed--Jesus, the Son of God, died for my sins. It was supernatural, like every single salvation that has and will take place."
What a great reminder to me today: Jesus Christ radically changes lives! I needed to hear these words from this stranger I met today. My question to you--Have you been radically changed? As you ponder that question, ponder this Bible verse:
Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT)
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