Charles Dickens wrote a novel in 1843: A Christmas Carol. The main character was Ebenezer Scrooge whose reply to Christmas was, “Bah humbug.” The story has remained a staple every year since then about the importance of observing Christmas. However, buried within the story is also a message about the Gospel.
The story begins with the man who was extremely wealthy. His wealth caused him to be more greedy every day without regard to his fellow man. This is a warning that Jesus gave about the deceitfulness of wealth; not that there was anything wrong with wealth. To immerse oneself in the gaining of financial prosperity above that of recognizing God is terribly sinful.
Ebenezer had many opportunities in his younger years to enjoy that which is most important in life including a wife and a family. It is so unfortunate that we can exchange what is important for what is not important. Should we build our lives on sand instead of a solid rock, there will come a time when all will crash down.
He was visited by spirits of the past, present, and future. The Bible does warn against any association with spirit life such as ghosts and witchcraft. The spirits that visited Ebenezer are the same in our own individual lifetimes. We have a past, present, and future, but what will we do with them? The importance in this part of the story is we will all face judgment and consequence for how we live.
Until Ebenezer Scrooge realized the need for reform, he took advantage of people. He disregarded the needs of others. He challenged the goodwill of those who would intervene in behalf of the needy. Every part of his life was self-centered. The Beatitudes are a good example that are contrary to how he lived at that point in the story.
Then came a time in which he realized he had a second chance. His deceased partner, Marley, had no such second chance but was condemned to suffer the consequences of his wrongdoings throughout eternity.
He tried to make amends for all the wrong that he did even though most could not be undone. His mission in the future that he assigned himself was to be a blessing to others. The gospel message is the good news in which the Holy Spirit works on our lives and in our hearts so that we become an ambassador for God. Ebenezer became an example for all of the town of what goodwill does when a person gets themselves right with God.
He could then say with Tiny Tim, “God bless us one and all.”
Christian Writer 