Life Lessons: A time for grace and renewal

Adobe stock library

Rockwall, TX (November 26, 2024) – This Christmas, think about the redemptive power that the season holds. The story of Scrooge’s transformation is one that resonates deeply, not just because it’s heartwarming, but because it’s relatable. We all know someone whose heart seems hardened, whose past pains or regrets have left them closed off to the joys of life. Sometimes, that person is closer than we care to admit—sometimes, we catch glimpses of Scrooge in our own reflections.

Christmas can be a season of change, a time when grace and renewal become possible. None of us are beyond the need for redemption, and no one is past the hope of transformation. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet, that very realization opens the door to the beauty of grace. We all have parts of ourselves that need to grow, soften, and heal. Whether it’s reconciling a fractured relationship, letting go of old wounds, or simply reaching out to someone in need, the holiday season is the perfect time to make peace and embrace new beginnings.

Take, for example, the sweet story of Mr. Thompson, a retired shop owner in a small town back East. Mr. Thompson had a reputation for being gruff and distant. Years of disappointment had hardened him. He’d lost his wife to an illness long ago, and the isolation that followed turned him into a man who barely spoke, even to those who tried to be friendly. His once-welcoming shop, now closed, remained a silent, dusty relic of better days. The townspeople had long given up trying to include him in holiday festivities, assuming he preferred solitude.

Then, one particularly cold December, a young boy named Jamie, whose family had recently moved into the neighborhood, decided he would change things. Jamie had noticed Mr. Thompson from his bedroom window every morning, trudging out to fetch the newspaper. Inspired by his mother’s stories of kindness and his favorite Christmas tales, Jamie took it upon himself to leave a small gift on Mr. Thompson’s doorstep: a simple, handmade Christmas card and a tin of cookies he’d baked with his mother. It was a small act of kindness, one he never expected to be noticed.

But Mr. Thompson noticed. The first time he saw the card, he was confused, even suspicious. Yet, something about the innocent, wobbly handwriting that spelled out Merry Christmas, Mr. Thompson softened him. Over the next few days, Jamie continued to leave little tokens—a pinecone ornament, a candy cane, a note wishing him well. Slowly, Mr. Thompson found his hardened heart beginning to melt.

At the town’s Christmas tree lighting and much to Jamie’s surprise, Mr. Thompson showed up at the holiday gathering. Dressed in his old coat, he held a bag of gifts he had prepared, to donate for the gift and toy collection. Mr. Thompson approached a neighbor, his voice trembling as he offered a heartfelt apology. He explained that years of sorrow led to years of distance, and his eyes shone with a mix of sadness and newfound hope. The neighbors, moved by his vulnerability, welcomed him back with open arms. It wasn’t the perfect fairy tale ending—Mr. Thompson still had wounds to heal—but it was a start. The redemptive power of love and grace had worked its quiet magic. One boy’s heart opened the heart of a lonely man.

This Christmas, let us be open to the miracles of change, both in ourselves and in those around us. Take a moment to reflect: Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a part of your heart that needs to heal? Perhaps it’s time to invite God’s transformative love into those spaces. Like Scrooge or Mr. Thompson, we have the opportunity to rewrite our stories, to make amends, and to let the spirit of Christmas illuminate the darkest corners of our lives. This Christmas you have the choice to be a Jamie or a Scrooge.

May this season be a reminder that no one is beyond redemption. Miracles still happen, hearts still soften, and love has the power to change everything. So, let’s keep our eyes and hearts open—ready for the grace and beauty of a season that calls us all to transformation.

Guest column by Erin Kincaid, Founder and Clinical Director of Rockwall Heath Counseling. She holds a host of degrees in Psychology, Christian Counseling, Anthropology and is working toward her PhD in Clinical Counseling. Erin lives in Rockwall with her husband and son.

Look for more of her guest columns on Blue Ribbon News.

  Blue Ribbon News, Erin Kincaid, feature, featured, life lessons