We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the man who hated Christmas. The original Grinch. But it wasn't just that Scrooge disliked the holiday display. He fairly objected to all of humanity at all times of the year. What he liked best was to "edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance." He lived his life at arm's length. But this is just what Marley's Ghost has come to warn him about. Marley says he "'wear[s] the chains I forged in life.'" Also, his greatest regret is that he must "wander through the world [. . .]-and witness what [I] cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!'"
While set at Christmas time, this book is really about personal evaluation and transformation. For instance, what Scrooge considers to be his greatest strength-his ability to make money-really is his greatest weakness because of the greed and haughtiness it engenders in his life. Through the ghostly visits this change has begun.
Personal Application: Spend a few moments to think about your strengths. Are you using your talents and abilities for good, to help and bless others? Or do you hoard them as Scrooge did with his money?
When he is visited by three Christmas spirits, we begin to understand-and perhaps gain some sympathy for-old man Scrooge. As the ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge the solitary and neglected child he was, his heart begins to soften. A change has began. He evens begins to feel kindness toward his clerk, Bob Cratchit and wishes he could speak with him.
Personal Application: Reflect upon your childhood. What is the most enduring memory? How has this defined your life thus far? Does this memory need to be revisited-like Christmas Past did with Scrooge-to help you better define and appreciate your present life?
The ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to see the happy, though poor, Cratchit family. Scrooge's heart opens even more as he feels an interest in Tiny Tim and wonders if the boy will live. He then sees his nephew's happy home filled with music. "When this strain of music sounded, all the things that Ghost had shown him, came upon his mind: he softened more and more" and thought of kindnesses he might have known had he cultivated them. Scrooge begins to recognize the change that is taking place within his heart and soul.
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