A Christmas Carol

One of the greatest story-writers of all time wrote one of the best-known Christmas stories of all time. Of course I am referring to Charles Dickens, who in December 1843 published a 66-page novella titled originally, "A Christmas Carol in Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas." The title has been shorted to just "A Christmas Carol." Since its publication in 1843, this little story has never been out of print - a remarkable feat, when you come to think of it.

The story has been adapted for both stage and screen. Perhaps the classic adaptation is the 1951 screen version starring Alastair Sims. According to critics, he portrays the Ebenezer Scrooge that would have met with Dickens' approval. My Christmas Season is not complete until I have watched this masterpiece. A strong rival would be the 1984 adaptation for television starring George C. Scott as Scrooge. He does a remarkable job with the role. Either film clearly portrays the heart of Dickens as he wrote in the fall of 1843.

That was the time the Industrial Revolution was radically changing the landscape of England. What gripped Dickens heart was the forced labor many of England's children endured. He himself had experienced this early in his life when his father was imprisoned for several months. Historians tell us that Dickens, from that time on, had a love-hate relationship with his father. The character of Scrooge portrayed both those relationship.

Of course we best remember Scrooge for his "Christmas! Bah-humbug!" statement. Haven't we all felt that way once or twice? Come on. You know what I mean. Another program to attend. Another trip to the mall to buy another gift. Another card to send. I don't know about you, but there are times when Christmas can become a "Bah-humbug!" I want to hurry through it...to get it over with. That is the way Ebenezer Scrooge looked at Christmas.

What caused the change in his heart? Was it the three spirits who visited him? I am sure the very presence of a ghost would cause alarm. But I think it was what the spirits showed him. As you read the story or view the filmed adaptations, the focus is upon family. There is hardly a mention of gifts being exchanged. The only gifts were the ones being raised by a few businessmen to provide food and drink for the poor. The great scene at Mr. Fezziwig's party focuses upon family and friends. There is the Christmas morning scene at the Cratchetts as the goose is cooking and the pudding is singing in the copper. Its about family.

As I have reflected upon that first Christmas carol, recorded in Luke 2, it was an invitation to become part of a family - the family of God. So when the spirit of "Bah-humbug" creeps into your heart, focus on family, beginning with your relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps then everything else will come into a proper focus. Then you and I can sing with Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"