A Christmas Carol

 

A picture for Christmas - A scene from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The ghost of Jacob Marley visiting Ebenezer Scrooge. Perhaps the most significant blessing we can have this Christmas is the gift of repentance. It allows us to truly grasp the ultimate gift of all – the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ. According to the Word of God, salvation hinges on repentance (Acts 3:19), a concept not widely embraced in our current culture, even among many churches. However, it remains a divine requirement.

Recently, our daughter Dorothy and I watched the 1984 film adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. This film they say, closely follows with the original book, was filmed in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, not far from where I used to live.

While "A Christmas Carol" is not overtly religious, it undoubtedly carries deep spiritual and moral themes. The tale of the selfish old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, unfolds as a powerful allegory of repentance and redemption. Scrooge's transformation mirrors the essence of turning away from a life of sin and selfishness towards one marked by compassion, generosity, and genuine concern for others.

In Scrooge's journey, pivotal moments occur when he is granted a vision of the consequences of his actions and the true state of his heart. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come serve as instruments of revelation, exposing the impact of his choices on others and the emptiness of a self-centered existence. This process parallels the core of repentance – a departure from a life of sin towards a path marked by compassion and concern for others. Scrooge's metamorphosis aligns with the biblical concept of metanoia, a change of heart and mind that accompanies a choice to follow Christ rather than our own desires.

In a spiritual context, the story underscores that repentance is a divine gift; we cannot achieve it on our own. We rely on God to reveal our sins because only He can grant repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25). Redemption becomes possible for those willing to confront their shortcomings. Charles Dickens, while not explicitly religious, sought to emphasize Christ's teachings in "A Christmas Carol." The narrative captures the essence of repentance and the potential for a renewed and redeemed life.

This Christmas, I extend an invitation to you, dear reader. If you've never grasped the gift of repentance or turned to Jesus Christ, take a moment alone in your room. Pray, make peace with God through Jesus Christ, and ask Him to grant you repentance. "Lord, reveal my sin and grant me repentance because you love me." Let this prayer catalyze self-reflection and a deeper appreciation of the divine gift embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ and be prepared for God to answer your prayers....because He loves you.

May this Christmas season be one of genuine self-awareness, repentance, and a renewed understanding of the profound love encapsulated in the message of Christ for all of us.