There are many versions of Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol, performed on stage and on screen in plays and movies respectively, and although I haven’t seen every single one, I am often amazed at how they tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and how his heart was changed after being visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future.  I hope to revisit the story very soon, as it seems like I can relate in a small way to the main character.

There are some considerable differences that I need to mention first.  Scrooge made a profitable living and maintained a business he had as a partnership with his late partner, Jacob Marley, whose spirit introduced the three Christmas spirits that would visit him.  As a graduate of college and a trade school, and a husband and father, and having to take on any work I could find to provide, I haven’t been able to develop a career more profitable than my current line of work, and I haven’t found substantial profit in secondary ventures yet.  Scrooge’s treasure, early on, existed in the wealth he amassed and his prestigious estate.  My riches are in the family and friends that I am surrounded with, the associates I work with daily, the church members I often meet weekly, and others I come in contact with, at times on social media, like my Facebook friends and LinkedIn contacts.

As time passes, there seems to be less focus on the genuine meaning of the holiday.  So much emphasis is on getting gifts from – or seeking to get gifts for – family and friends that we often lose sight of the greatest gift ever given: the gift of the only begotten Son that God gave to the world, the Seed that brought redemption in His later sacrifice to relieve the world from the burden of sin and guilt, and the condemnation that follows after death.  In this continuing trend, we’re losing sight of the hope we can have in accepting the gift that He gives, freely, to all willing to accept and believe.

I have decided not to be mean-spirited as some around me choose to be, or feel they must for whatever reason.  I hope to find some depth in the messages conveyed by the spirits as they ministered to Ebenezer, and hopefully they will help all of us to see that there are greater riches than material wealth.  In having compassion on others and sharing with family, friends and neighbors – even by the means of gentle fellowship, sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee, a dance to a good song, or even joining a good holiday sing-a-long – perhaps we can reacquaint ourselves in the true joy this holiday season can bring.

Take care this time, and may this holiday season be a happy, blessed and safe one for all.