One of our family’s Christmas traditions is watching different versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. My favorite is the one with George C. Scott made in 1984. My son-in-law’s favorite is The Muppet Christmas Carol. Can you tell I am a Baby Boomer and he is a Gen X’er? Regardless of the version, the two major themes running throughout Dickens’ story are redemption and injustice. Those themes continue to characterize the need in our world even in the years that have passed since 1843, when Dickens wrote his much-loved story.
Government can address many of the injustices in our world, but because of our flawed human nature, the bigger government gets, the more flawed it becomes. Sir John Dalberg-Acton was a politician, historian and a contemporary of Dickens. He is best known for his remark that, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely …” This demonstrates that justice alone is not enough; we also need redemption and a change of heart.
Thankfully, that change of heart is possible through Christ: and in him will come a new, righteous government. While caught up in the Spirit, the Prophet Isaiah was given a glimpse of a “Christmas Future” where our redemption would be complete and all injustice on earth would cease. God gave him a glimpse of a world-wide government whose leader would not be corrupted by power and glory. Isaiah names and describes all the governmental offices and titles that Jesus will hold in his “Eternal Kingdom” …
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” – Isaiah 9:6-7
Each Christmas, we celebrate that wonderful future by faith as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ.
Dickens’ story ends with a change of heart for Ebenezer Scrooge and his promise that, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” When we have made Christ our Savior and Lord, that same heart change takes place in us. There is a coming day when the “Spirit of Christmas” will permeate our government as well. But until that day comes, Family Policy Alliance® will work at making Rhode Island a place where God is honored, especially in the areas of religious freedom, family, life, and moral values.
Please remember our matching grant challenge for $13,500, through your generosity we have raised $6,100 toward that grant so far. Please consider a generous gift to help us match the remaining $7,400!
On behalf of the Board of Advisors and myself, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! We are honored that you have partnered with us and we look forward to greater growth and effectiveness in the coming New Year 2021.
Blessings,
Dave Aucoin
President, Board of Directors – Rhode Island
P.S. If you missed meeting our new CEO, Craig DeRoche on Facebook Live, you can still do so by watching the recording on Facebook!
