Nowadays, the name ‘Ebenezer’ is most probably associated with Dickens’ famous character, Ebenezer Scrooge, who features in the famous story ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Written in 1843, this story shows us how the skinflint, miserly, miserable Scrooge, with his ‘Bah! Humbug!‘ attitude to Christmas, is changed by visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, to become a warm, giving, generous man.
There is irony in his name, for Scrooge is synonymous initially with all that is mean and miserly, but eventually, as he is changed, he does indeed become a ‘stone of help’ to others, supporting them through his wealth and finding the truth of Jesus’s words that it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
Many thanks to all who have supported the food bank throughout this year. We will be helping the Salvation Army to pack up and distribute Christmas hampers to needy families tomorrow and are praying that God will bless all those in need at this time of year especially, that they might find the help and refuge only God provides.