Merry Christmas and Happy Conversion!

With delight, I’ve just finished reading Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I’ve read it several times before, and find it enriches my celebration and anticipation of the Christmas season in so many ways. This year, as I set the book down on my nightstand, overcome with the joy of experiencing Scrooge’s tale, it occurred to me that this book is a story of any common man’s conversion to God.

You may find my conclusion quite obvious, but as I reflected on what really happens in this story, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than all others (Luke 15:7).

I’m also looking forward to my annual viewing of “It’s A Wonderful Life”. Each year, I somewhat religiously watch this movie. I carve some time out for a couple of hours, and sit down with whomever wants to join me, and immerse myself in the story of a man who realizes (through suffering) how many blessings God has given him. He, too, is amazingly converted.

I suppose man is pre-wired to rejoice in witnessing conversion. We know the good that will come from it. We see the struggle so clearly because we identify with it so strongly. It’s like watching a soldier get over a high wall using only a small rope. It’s so difficult. It’s so amazing when it’s accomplished. It’s so universal.

God leads us on in our lives, prodding us to make that very same conversion. Scrooge doesn’t come out and claim Jesus as his Personal Lord and Savior, and neither does George Bailey, but somehow, we know that God is the author and catalyst of their conversions. And through their conversions, God touches so many lives. May we all find God amidst our preparations for Christmas. May we experience the untold joy of conversion and share that joy with those we meet!