Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Last Sunday in worship – the first weekend of Advent – we started a new sermon series called “The Gospel in Scrooge.” As I mentioned, we’re not calling the series “The Gospel According to Scrooge,” but rather, “The Gospel in Scrooge.” The difference might seem small, but it’s important. 

 The gospel upon which we’re reflecting in these messages is not the gospel of Ebenezer Scrooge, nor is it the gospel of Charles Dickens. Rather, it’s the gospel of Jesus. In these messages, we are using Dickens’ story – first published in 1843 – as a means of reflecting upon the gospel of Jesus. 

 The wonderful reality is God’s truth is universal. This means (if we look carefully and pay attention) we can find demonstrations of God’s truth in music, art, literature, TV shows, and movies – even those that aren’t explicitly Christian. Indeed, while A Christmas Carol is not an explicitly Christian story, so many of the themes that Dickens tackles in this novella are Christian (e.g., caring for the poor and needy, being kind and charitable to those around us, putting others ahead of ourselves, redemption). With the above in mind, Pastor Will and I look forward to continuing in this series with you throughout the season of Advent.

This Sunday (December 5), we’re going to explore the gospel themes within Scrooge’s visit with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Bring a friend (or two or three!) and join us in person or online for what I pray – by God’s good grace – will be an inspiring day of worship.      

Take care!

 Blessings,

Chris