"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." As the Ghost of Christmases Past visits Scrooge, we are introduced to an entirely new side of the man. Young Ebenezer was, at times, truly lonely. Then, as a young adult, he was fun and filled with gratitude for the kindness shown him. But we also see Scrooge's decline into his love of money and see some of the heartbreaking costs that changed his life. When you look back on Christmas celebrations of years past, you might see similar images from the different phases of your life. But those moments -- good and bad -- are an essential part of who you are today. But what about that time before the birth of the Christchild in Bethlehem? What are the moments that shaped that precious time in history? This lesson looks back to a time when the people of God were fearful and filled with dread. Even their King, Ahaz, panicked and went into hiding. But the Prophet Isaiah was sent to the King with a word of encouragement. King Ahaz would not listen. He could not (or would not) receive a word of grace, even when that word came from God himself. What about you? As you look back across your life, including Christmases past, can you hear the promises of God? Will you receive a gift of kindness, a gift of Grace from God? "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)