When Pastor asked me to help him for look for a Christmas Sermon Series I was not, I’ll have to admit, as happy as a puppy getting his belly scratched! By the same token, I decided to attack the project with fervor and enthusiasm. As my search continued, however, I made a discovery that fairly horrified me – – my tact had gone from being a dedicated Elder working on a Pastor-assigned task to one of grim determination and all the joy began to seep out of me as I continued my quest for suitable
Christmas Sermon Ideas. As that thought sunk in and finally registered with me, I nearly succumbed to apoplexy when I realized I had become Ebenezer Scrooge and was figuratively “Bah, Humbugging” all over the place!
That realization led me back to the Internet, to see if I could find an Advent Sermon Series that might actually deal with those of us who, for whatever reason, find ourselves turning into Scrooges during the Christmas Season. Needless to say, I was thrilled when my research led me to a series of Sermons for Christmas by Mainstay Ministries entitled, “From Humbug to Hallelujah.” The suggestion of pastor Dr. Doug Rumford that the transformation in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s classic tale “A Christmas Carol” can be the real experience of people in our churches, thanks to the power of Immanuel . . . . “God with us!” totally enthralled and intrigued me.
The “path” that the Sermon Series suggests to follow to go from humbug to hallelujah is summed up by the themes of the seven part series:
- Prepare for a Christmas You’ll Never Regret (Pre-Advent Sunday)
- Break Christmas Chains Forged in Life (Advents Sunday #1)
- Reawaken the Joy Inherent in Christmas (Advent Sunday #2)
- Value Relationships – Especially at Christmas (Advent Sunday #3)
- Write a Good Ending to Your Christmas Carol (Advent Sunday #4)
- Celebrate a Christmas of Miracle Transformations (Christmas Eve/Day)
- Honor Christmas in Your Heart All Year Long (Sunday after Christmas)
Due to the uniqueness of the topic, I was especially glad to learn that the package offered is complete in scope, consisting of:
- A Published Pastor’s Manual (3-ring binder, 200 Pages)
- Numerous Service Ideas – Includes mood setters, creative Scripture readings, church and home Advent Candle Lighting Ceremonies, Music Suggestions and much, much more.
- Devotionals for Pastors
- Devotions for December Calendars for your entire congregation.
If you are looking for a unique angle for your Christmas Preaching, go to http://sundaysolutions.com/from-humbug-to-hallelujah.html immediately. After all, Scrooge made the changes he needed to before it was to late – – unlike Jacob Marley who had to bear his chains of regret for all eternity!
