The God of Christmas: Past, Present, & Future.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who is hard, bitter, and self-centered. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Past shows him who he once was. The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals what he has become. And the Ghost of Christmas Future shows him where his life is headed if nothing changes. It is this final vision—his lonely death—that breaks Scrooge. Faced with his future, he repents. He wakes up the next morning still in the present, but now with a second chance, and he lives the rest of his life differently.
We do not know what inspired Dickens to write this story, but our Gospel lesson in Matthew 2:13–23 tells a much greater and truer version of it. Here, we are not shown ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Instead, we meet the God of Christmas past, present, and future—a God who does not merely show us our lives, but steps into human history through Jesus to give us new life.
Matthew’s Gospel is written especially for Jewish readers who knew their Scriptures and their history. Because of this, Matthew is deeply focused on showing how Jesus fulfills God’s promises. Again and again, he points out how events in Jesus’ life match what the prophets long ago foretold. In Matthew 2:13–23, Matthew highlights three fulfilled prophecies: “Out of Egypt I called My Son,” “Rachel weeping for her children,” and “He shall be called a Nazarene.” These fulfillments are not random details. Together, they tell us how Jesus saves His people by entering their past, present, and future.
First, Jesus steps into Israel’s past. Israel was called God’s “son” and brought out of Egypt during the Exodus. Jesus, the true Son of God, also comes out of Egypt—but with a surprising twist. Instead of fleeing Egypt because it is evil, Jesus flees to Egypt because Israel itself has become dangerous. By reliving Israel’s story, Jesus walks in their shoes. He experiences their journey so that He can fix what they broke. Where Israel failed, Jesus remains faithful. In doing this, Matthew quietly shows us what Israel has become—more like Egypt, ruled by a cruel king who threatens the innocent.
This leads directly into the present. Israel, once meant to be a place of refuge and blessing, has become a place people must escape from. Like Scrooge, who began with promise but ended in corruption, Israel has grown prideful and violent, even turning against its own children. King Herod seeks to kill Jesus, and once again God intervenes. Through dreams and instructions, God guides Joseph safely through danger. The lesson is clear: God protects His Son through obedience. Joseph listens, trusts, and acts—and Jesus is spared. This moment also prepares us for the future Church. God’s people will face persecution, and sometimes He will tell them to flee. This is not weakness. It is God directing their path so that His plan can continue and His kingdom can spread.
Finally, Matthew points us toward the future. God leads Joseph and Mary back into Israel, not to Jerusalem, but to Galilee, to a small and overlooked town called Nazareth. Though it seems insignificant, the name itself carries meaning. It echoes Nazirite, the holy warriors of God’s people, and netzer, the “branch” from the root of Jesse—the promised line of King David. Jesus grows up here because His future is clear: He will be a warrior-king who brings God’s Kingdom into the world. Not by violence or pride, but by faithfulness, sacrifice, and victory over sin and death. He offers second chances, exchanges His righteousness for our failures, conquers death through His own death, and gives life to all who trust Him.
Jesus is the God of Christmas past, present, and future. He relives our past to make it right. He walks with us through present trials. And He leads us into a future where His Kingdom will fully come. Because Jesus has experienced what we experience, He understands our struggles and shows us that the past does not have to define us. But this new life only comes when we listen to His voice and follow His way.
Jesus also teaches us that there is a time to flee and a time to stand and face hardship. Knowing the difference requires humility, courage, and a listening heart. It comes from trusting Him and staying close enough to hear His instruction. The rest of Jesus’ life shows us our mission as well. He spent His life bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth, and now He sends His Church to do the same. We are called to be active warriors for our King—declaring the gospel, living transformed lives, and pushing back darkness with light. We know how the story ends: Christ will reign forever, and His people are part of how God brings His Kingdom into the world.
Jesus is the God of Christmas past, present, and future. May He step into your life as well—so that you, like Scrooge, may wake up to a new life and live differently because of Him.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Bruce
