One of my favorite Christmas stories, outside of the greatest of all times, the nativity account in the book of Luke in the Holy Bible, is A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. I think I have such a fondness for it because I can relate to the story so well. Depending on the year, Christmas can be quite a taxing time for people. Some years, Christmas presents the feeling of utmost joy, like the kind nephew Fred of Ebeneezer Scrooge exudes in the story. The townspeople are all celebrating and jolly. Yet Scrooge sees everything as either an opportunity to make money or save money, no matter the cost to others. He sees frivolity as a waste of time and energy. He finds no joy at Christmas as he has no use for it.
I prefer to watch accounts of A Christmas Carol that quote the actual text in the story, such as 20th Century Studios version with George C. Scott or my person favorite, A Muppet Christmas Carol staring Gonzo and Rizzo the rat as narrators. I first encountered the tale in print form in school, another reason I enjoy it so much. I simply love Dickens's theme of potential change of heart and temperament possible to any man.
When you look at our society today, are we still depicting the characters of Dickens's classic tale? Some people walk about, making merry, giving generously, seeing joy in every activity associated with Christmas. Some like the character Scrooge, see no purpose in the occasion at all and view the holiday as a waste of time and money. Does the person's circumstances dictate their disposition? Scrooge has money. He, from all outward appearances has no health or economic problems. Yet he has no happiness.
The Cratchet family has many problems. Their youngest child is ill and seems to be in imminent health danger. The family has little money. Yet they see joy in the season with the meager lifestyle they live. This all set my mind to thinking this season about what the joy of Christmas really is for each one of us.
I confess that I have struggled being joyful this season. I had rotator cuff surgery on my shoulder right after Halloween and it is a very slow healing procedure. I am on week 7 of wearing a cumbersome sling. I am very limited on my movement and it is my dominant arm so all the preparations I generally do are not happening this year. I am working hard to keep my spirits merry and bright but occasionally I can slip into frustration and a sad mood.
This has made me realize that the joy of Christmas truly is a mental endeavor. Christmas consists of a feeling, not a thing. It does not exist in material gifts, a specific day of the year, or family tradition that must be repeated. It is simply the feeling of joy in the birth of our savior and the celebration with family and friends. Whatever day or time that occurs.
In the end of the story, Scrooge learns after experiencing the reliving of his life and the prediction of his future if he continues on his current life path, that Christmas is a feeling and lifestyle that must be kept in the heart all year long. This is the thought that is helping to sustain me this year. Any Christmas can bring joy when you look at it simply. A gift of Christ come into the world and a mental challenge to remember this joyous gift of salvation all year long.
I pray that you may keep Christmas in your heart all year long, and praise God for the gift of His son.
Merry Christmas!
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