From Humbug to Hallelujah: A 5-Day Christmas TransformationSýnishorn

From Humbug to Hallelujah: Greedy With Time

Ebenezer Scrooge. The ultimate miser. We all know him as the embodiment of "bah humbug" and everything Christmas isn’t. But even if you know A Christmas Carol like the lyrics to Silent Night, there are still powerful lessons hidden in Scrooge's story that we can apply to our own lives.

As we revisit this beloved tale, with its familiar cast of characters—both friend and foe—like the warm-hearted Bob Cratchit and gentle Tiny Tim, there’s something fresh we can learn about ourselves through Scrooge's journey. While we might recognize Scrooge’s insatiable love for money, there’s another treasure he hoards that might hit closer to home for us today: his time.

You might think, I'm not stingy with my time! My December calendar is packed with things I’m doing for others. And yet, it's precisely because it's so full that it becomes precious and, sometimes, closely guarded. Sure, we're busy with festive gatherings, church events, and gift-giving, but in all our busyness, we might be overlooking the people who need us most—the family members, friends, and even strangers right in front of us.

How often do we let the holiday rush sideline a call to a grandparent, half-listen to a loved one, or pass by those in need in our communities? Just like Scrooge, we can be reluctant to let go of any time that might derail our own plans. But the Bible calls us to something deeper. Paul tells his friends: "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT). And Jesus himself reminds us to be on guard against greed, for life isn’t defined by how much we possess—or how tightly we cling to our own agenda (Luke 12:15).

This Christmas, God invites us to release our grip on time and turn outward, embracing a life of true generosity. Let's examine where we’ve been holding back, and instead, choose to put others first.

Reflection Question: In what areas do you struggle with generosity? How can you be more open-handed with your time this season? What can you let go of in your schedule to embrace a spirit of giving?