The Ghost of Christmas Present was quite a sight. He was clothed in a green velvet robe, trimmed with white fur. Upon his long amber tresses sat a crown of holly and ivy. As he opened his cloak, he revealed two children. Scrooge asked who they were. The symbolic children known as Ignorance and Want suggests poverty – which is the consequence of society’s ignorance and want. It is not a problem set aside for the future or the past. The poor require our help now. Charles Dickens knew all about the plight of nineteenth century London. He lived it. He experienced it. He saw the injustices awaiting the poor and wanting. He observed young children working in factories, sweating to make enough for a loaf of bread. “A Christmas Carol,” was his way of expressing some of those societal problems and hoping for a better future.

This story of redemption reveals the need for all of us to look at Christmas in a different light. Poverty and want will continue to fill the streets of this bountiful country of ours. Many are homeless and struggle for survival. Many don’t have enough money to pay their mortgage, much less put up large Christmas displays in front of their homes. Many continue to go into debt to cover the cost of elaborate gifs. Some have never experienced the true and blessed meaning of Christmas.

When our Savior came to earth in the form of a little baby, He was not the mighty king the people expected. Instead of a robe of glory and a crown of gold, this little Messiah was laid in a manger where cattle would feed. He was born in poverty and want. Throughout his 33 years he struggled to survive. He lived a humble life. He skinned His knees like most children do. He humbled Himself even further when He served others as a slave would do. He paid the final ransom to deliver humanity from the sting of death. That’s the true story of redemption.

Dickens’ classic story, “A Chrismas Carol,” explores the life and redemption of an old codger who had forgotten that truth. May we all turn our thoughts to Jesus as we continue this
Advent season and prepare our hearts for His second coming.

I once in poverty did lay, my heart was full of need.

You came and took my sins away and now I’m rich indeed.

You gave your richest treasure – your one and only Son.

You are my greatest pleasure. With you I now am one.

Poetry by Kathy Boecher