I think the reason the story of Scrooge remains such a classic is because we can all relate to it. When the ghost takes him on his journey through time, we see a young boy growing up in the streets of London without a strong family unit. His father was bitter against the lad because of the loss of his wife while giving birth to him.

As he grew up and became obsessed with work and less involved socially, the only love he knew refused to marry him because of it. Missed opportunities – emotional highs and lows – disappointment – being left out – seem to be heightened at this time of year. All of the negative events in Scrooge’s life took place during the Christmas season.

Sometimes it’s like that for us too. We work twice as hard to make ends meet. Our focus becomes so narrow that the joy of Christmas is often lost in our own needs and desires. Many people get depressed during the holidays. In his story, Scrooge simply snuffed the ghost out with its hat, but it’s not always that easy to get rid of the things that bring us down.

When he meets the final ghost of the trilogy, he sees the future and what life holds for Tiny Tim and his family.  He is witness to his own death as well.  How many of us get the opportunity to view our own headstone?  The future is bleak in that respect, for we will all die.  It is a fact of nature, but Scrooge has only been dreaming so he has a second chance. His redemption is still available to him as it is to each of us.  God gives all of us the best Christmas gift ever by endowing us with our salvation through the child, Jesus, born on that most special day.

Psalm 34:18  “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Dear Savior, help all those whose hearts are heavy at this time of year. Allow us to realize that you love them with the greatest love ever known and you invite them into your arms each day. Thank you also for Christmases past, present and future. They can teach us so much about ourselves and lead us back to you.  Amen!