The Ghost of Christmas Present - The Gift of Now
“There was nothing very cheerful in the climate or the town, and yet was there an air of cheerfulness abroad that the clearest summer air and brightest summer sun might have endeavoured to diffuse in vain.
For the people who were shovelling away on the house-tops were jovial and full of glee; calling out to one another from the parapets, and now and then exchanging a facetious snowball — better-natured missile far than many a wordy jest — laughing heartily if it went right, and not less heartily if it went wrong. (A Christmas Carol, Stave 3)
“Do not worry about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
Advent Day 12: The Ghost of Christmas Present — The Gift of Now
(Theme: Peace — Living in the Grace of Today)
When the Ghost of Christmas Present appears to Scrooge, Dickens describes him as a giant figure “clothed in one simple green robe, bordered with white fur,” his presence radiant with warmth and life. The room glows with abundance — a feast overflowing with fruit, meats, puddings, and laughter. The Spirit’s torch scatters blessing wherever he goes, causing even the poorest homes to glow with good cheer. It is a scene pulsing with vitality — the very heartbeat of Christmas itself.
The Ghost commands Scrooge to “Come in! and know me better, man!” It is both invitation and challenge. Scrooge, who has lived bound by the past and fearful of the future, is called to awaken to the present moment — to see, to feel, to rejoice. Dickens writes, “There was nothing they could not share, nothing they could not bless.” In the presence of the Spirit, Scrooge begins to witness the beauty he has long ignored: families gathered in joy, friends laughing in love, and even the poor finding peace in gratitude.
How easy it is for us, like Scrooge, to miss the gift of “now.” We dwell on past regrets or future anxieties, and in doing so, we overlook the grace of the present. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). The call of Advent is not only to remember what God has done or to hope for what He will do, but to worship Him for what He is doing — right here, right now.
The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the holiness of the ordinary — laughter around a humble table, kindness exchanged between neighbors, joy found even in struggle. Dickens reminds us that peace is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of gratitude. When our hearts are open to God’s presence in the present, every moment becomes sacred.
As the Advent candle of Peace still burns this week, pause to see the blessings around you — the faces of those you love, the warmth of a meal shared, the gift of breath in your lungs and grace in your life. Christ is here. Emmanuel — God with us — not only in Bethlehem long ago, nor only in heaven to come, but in this very moment. Receive the gift of now.
Prayer
Lord of the Present Moment, teach me to live fully awake to Your grace today. Quiet the voices of regret and fear that pull me away from Your peace. Help me to see Your blessings in the small and the simple — in laughter, love, and daily bread. Let my heart echo the joy of heaven as I learn to dwell in Your presence here and now. Thank You for this day, this breath, this grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
O Come, O Come Immanuel
Latin Hymn, 12th century
Translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866)
O Come, O Come Immanuel
Latin Hymn, 12th century
Translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866)
Playlist Daily Highlight
We’ve provided multiple versions of this classic Christmas carol. Listen to your favorite style, but also try something new!
See if you find a new appreciation for this song or a different version than what you’re used to.
Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song and reflect on them. Let God speak to you in this moment.