Christmas has a funny way of turning up the lights — and the memories. For some, the season brings warmth and joy. For others, it stirs old hurts they’d rather keep buried.
Dickens captured that tension perfectly in “A Christmas Carol” by forcing Ebenezer Scrooge to revisit wounds he tried to hide. The message is clear: light has a way of finding what we try to cover.
That truth is deeply spiritual. Scripture reminds us that God doesn’t expose our past to shame us, but to heal us. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) Our past may shape us, but it doesn’t have to define us.
One of the greatest threats to joy — especially at Christmas — is offense. Some offenses are small: a slight, a sharp word, a moment of thoughtlessness. Others cut deep: betrayal, lies, or long-standing wounds. Offense is inevitable. Living offended is a choice. When left unchecked, offense festers, stealing our peace, straining families, and dimming our witness.
Paul offers practical wisdom: “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13) Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong, and it doesn’t erase the memory — but it does release us from carrying the weight of it. Forgiveness may be one-sided, but it always changes the forgiver for the better.
The Christmas story itself gives us a powerful example. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he had every reason to feel wounded and offended. Yet Scripture says he was “a righteous man” who chose compassion over retaliation.
Then God clarified the truth: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife … you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20–21) Even before Jesus was born, forgiveness was already at work.
Proverbs sums it up plainly: “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11) Overlooking doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen — it means choosing to release it instead of remembering and rehearsing it.
With God’s help, we rise above what tried to trap us.
This Christmas, maybe the greatest gift isn’t under the tree. Maybe instead of exchanging gifts, some of us need to exchange apologies and experience the freedom found in letting go.
If you’re ready to let Jesus help you bury your burdens, we’re ready at LECC, 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula, to help you shovel away past offenses.
Come for smallgroup Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. on Sunday. On Wednesday, December 24 at 6:30 p.m., enjoy a special candlelight service highlighting a special message from our KidsMin and Awaken Student Ministry.
Repent of living offended. Let in the Light of the Holy Spirit that still shines and heals hearts from their ghosts of Christmas past.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
