traditions

christmas traditions

"When the clock struck eleven, this domestic ball broke up. Mr and Mrs Fezziwig took their stations, one on either side of the door, and shaking hands with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas. When everybody had retired but the two apprentices, they did the same to them; and thus the cheerful voices died away, and the lads were left to their beds; which were under a counter in the back-shop.

During the whole of this time, Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and soul were in the scene, and with his former self. He corroborated everything, remembered everything, enjoyed everything, and underwent the strangest agitation. It was not until now, when the bright faces of his former self and Dick were turned from them, that he remembered the Ghost, and became conscious that it was looking full upon him, while the light upon its head burnt very clear.

"A small matter," said the Ghost, "to make these silly folks so full of gratitude."

"Small!" echoed Scrooge.

The Spirit signed to him to listen to the two apprentices, who were pouring out their hearts in praise of Fezziwig: and when he had done so, said,
"Why! Is it not! He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: three or four perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?"

"It isn't that," said Scrooge, heated by the remark, and speaking unconsciously like his former, not his latter, self. "It isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count them up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune."
He felt the Spirit's glance, and stopped.

"What is the matter?" asked the Ghost.

"Nothing in particular," said Scrooge.

"Something, I think?" the Ghost insisted.

"No," said Scrooge, "No. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now! That's all." "

Every holiday season I re-read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Every season it speaks to me anew and I identify with Scrooge's need for redemption.

As I watch this particular interaction at Fezziwig's party between Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past I am caught out and held accountable. Scrooge sees with newly clear eyes with how much grace and mercy Fezziwig lived. How he loved others and shared this love daily. How he desired to see the betterment of his fellow man, not just his own. He made burdens lighter.

Jesus, my redeemer, came in grace and mercy to reclaim those who were condemned. This grace and mercy lives within me, but still I toil and see that others do too. Do I bring others happiness or do I act as the cold skin-flint of my former self. Have I allowed the grace that was given to me to pour out on my fellow man? Do I extend a hand to help or do I watch sternly to make sure the work is done properly?

Thaw my spirit, Lord, My God, so that I may lighten others' burdens and bring joy to my neighbour in Your Name.