Christmas week has arrived, and for many, it’s not always merry. While the season shines with joy and light, it can also stir painful memories— old regrets, lingering shame, and labels we wish we could shed.
Like Ebenezer Scrooge, we may feel haunted by the Ghosts of Christmas Past. But the good news of Christmas is this: Jesus came to redeem our past offenses, our present shame, and our future labels.
Shame has a sneaky way of whispering lies. There’s a difference between guilt and shame— guilt says, “I did something bad,” while shame says, “I am bad.” When we connect the “what” to the “who,” shame settles in and labels us broken, unworthy, or beyond hope.
Yet Scripture reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). That truth is deeply spiritual—and wonderfully freeing.
For those who belong to Christ, shame no longer has the final word. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west, and He no longer holds them against us. We are not who our past says we are; we are who Christ says we are. Healing begins when we shift our focus from what we’re not to who Jesus is.
Mary understood this tension well. A young, poor, unwed mother in a culture quick to judge, she could have lived crushed beneath a shameful label. Instead, she trusted God’s Word. When Gabriel greeted her, he said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) Mary renewed her mind, rushed toward encouraging community, and replaced fearfilled labels with faith. She sang, “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” (Luke 1:49) King David knew this redemption too, declaring that God “redeems your life from destruction” and crowns you with steadfast love. (Psalm 103:4) Ultimately, Jesus Himself endured the shame of the cross and defeated it forever. Because of Him, shame is replaced with blessing, and broken labels are rewritten by grace.
So this Christmas, let go of the ghosts that whisper lies. Come worship, study, and belong with us at LECC, 415897 Highway 9 in Eufaula— small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night all-age activities.
Hope isn’t seasonal; it’s steadfast, anchored through every season of our lives by our King of Kings and Lord of Lords—our Messiah, our Savior, our blessed Redeemer, Christ Jesus. So, a Merry Christmas to us all, my dears, and may God bless us, everyone!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
