Many consider Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol to be one of the most popular stories of all times.
And I’m certain you will agree the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, has become synonymous with stingy and miserly behavior.
Let’s discuss the “Scrooge” within us all. That’s not a judgment on my part, but a fact that we all have an inherent Scrooge-like nature built into our humanness.
Whether you agree with my observation or not carries no weight in what will follow.
Dickens presents Ebenezer Scrooge as a detestable soul, a successful businessman, pretty much wrapped up in his own existence. After business partner Jacob Marley’s demise, we get the impression Scrooge becomes even more focused on making a fortune at the expense of others.
The love of money seems to be at the pinnacle of his list. We see no friendship at all in the miserable existence of this myopically focused financier.
In a vision/dream/nightmare, he’s confronted by the ghost of his deceased partner in chains followed by visits from three spirits: Christmas Past, Christmas Present and, lastly, Christmas Yet to Come.
This disturbing dream transforms this self-centered old codger into an optimistic soul the following Christmas morning. The whole town observes this Christmas miracle.
Perhaps Dickens’ sole purpose rests in entertaining his audience with a unique presentation of the conversion of a lost soul into the Christian faith.
Most come to faith in Christ in their more impressionable years, often while still in grade school. That’s why my friends with Child Evangelism Fellowship solely work with grade school children through their Good News Clubs and Camp Good News.
As we age, we naturally become more set in our ways and the challenge of paradigm shifts are much more difficult.
I can attest to a truly miraculous middle-aged change in my own life! Yes, there were many witnesses to the dramatic conversion that took place.
And, over the nearly 39 years since that transforming event, the Holy Spirit continues to refine the intricate workmanship in this particular soul.
If you claim to be a Christian, I trust you as well have sensed the Holy Spirit’s miraculous work in your life. Granted, each will experience His work in different and unique manner.
Many in academia question whether Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is simply a secular story based on his concern for the downtrodden of London or a Christian allegory.
My vote goes to God providing Dickens with a beautiful allegorical picture of a miraculously changed life culminating from the work of Christ on that cross on Calvary nearly 2,000 years ago.
Please consider picking up a copy of this literary work over this holiday season or at least take the time to watch one of the many theatrical renderings of this classic tale of transformation.
That along with an open heart and appropriate Scripture shared by a Christian friend may just bring about a transformational change in your life (or the life of a friend) as it did in the fictional life of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Our Heavenly Father is certainly aware of the ‘Scrooge’ within us all!