| In other words, no matter how dark the night, you are never without hope when you trust in the Light of the World.— Bob Welch, 52 Little Lessons from a Christmas Carol  God Makes Good on His Promises by Bob Welch, from 52 Little Lessons from a Christmas Carol 
 I am here to-night to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. ~ The Ghost of Jacob Marley, to Scrooge
As the fifth and final stave begins, Scrooge is in his bed, repeating his promise to begin anew. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is gone. Scrooge is not lying dead in that graveyard. In fact, you could argue, the man has never been more alive, bouncing around his bedroom in glee.
He exclaims, "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man."
In short, Scrooge realizes he is a redeemed man. Perhaps it came when he prayed, as the narrator tells us, a "last prayer to have his fate reversed." For whatever reason, he has, indeed, been given a second chance and his thankfulness gushes forth in unbridled joy. "Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob; on my knees!"
It's significant that he first mentions Marley. Given all that's happened to Scrooge with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Marley's visit to Scrooge might easily be forgotten. But remember what he had said? "I am here to-night to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate."
Now that chance and hope have proven true. That possibility has turned into a reality. That promise has been fulfilled.
Promises are cheap these days. Politicians make them to get elected and break them once they're in office. Advertisers make them to get you to buy a product that doesn't live up to its billing. People vow in front of friends and family to love their chosen one despite whatever comes their way, then leave that person for someone else when the waters get choppy.
But God's promises come with no such capriciousness.
— Romans 8:38–39
In other words, no matter how dark the night, you are never without hope when you trust in the Light of the World.
Say what you will about the Ghost of Marley; it pulled through in the clutch. Made good on the promise. Delivered the goods. The Spirit tells Scrooge, in essence, It's too late for me, but it's not too late for you. You don't have to wear these chains that I do. You can escape my fate.
Promise. Excerpted with permission from 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol by Bob Welch, copyright Bob Welch.
Your Turn
It's not too late! If you don't know Jesus yet, you can be redeemed, and wake rejoicing knowing you've been saved! If a friend or family members needs to read this today, be sure to share it! Come share your thoughts on the joy of redemption! We want to hear from you. ~ Devotionals Daily Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. God bless us, every one!
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by Bob Welch  Regular Price: $16.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $35 or more Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels of all time, A Christmas Carol.
First published in 1843, Charles Dickens's novella A Christmas Carol became an immediate bestseller with its timeless bedrock themes of forgiveness, humility, generosity, renewal, and the true meaning of Christmas. Award-winning author Bob Welch explores what the heartwarming classic can teach each and every one of us. From the miserliness of Scrooge to the innocence of Tiny Tim, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol will inspire readers to live for what really matters, not only at Christmas, but all year long.
Lessons include:
Now with Questions for Reflection at the end of each lesson.
What People Are Saying  Love telling the store and watching the movie before starting this devotional. One of the best family devotional for the holiday season.— Brian M., reader
I love Mr. Welch's books. I have several of them and very glad to have added to my collection. His books are easy to read and most enjoyable. — Judith H., reader
It's a Wonderful Life is my favorite Christmas move, and the book tying the scenes to the Bible was awesome. Gave me a new perspective on the movie, and spiritual growth also. — Larry C., reader
Want more from Bob?
Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels, musicals, and films of all time: Les Misérables.
 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables
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