Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been a classic, a favorite for years. It has been the source from which many other stories have emerged. Many a child has cringed at the insensitive, cruel behavior of Ebenezer Scrooge, and grieved at the plight of Bob Cratchet and his crippled son, Tiny Tim.
The character of Ebenezer Scrooge is the personification of all who are stingy and cruel, selfish and insensitive. It is not necessary to explain what calling someone “Scrooge” means, and no one likes to be referred to as such.
Today’s headlines tell of legal battles between those who want public places kept free from religious symbols. “Keep the courthouse out of the Religion Business” is the cry of one segment of this argument, while others characterize all phases of Christmas to be “part of a tradition that is without any religious celebration or meaning.”
Some merit can be found for either claim, but neither seems to solve the problem that exists. The truth is that if you oppose anything the public has “decided” is good, the term “Scrooge” will likely be attached to you, whether it is deserved or not.
There is much about this time of year that is very pleasant to me and to others. People are thinking of others instead of merely themselves. Many are looking for ways to help those who are less fortunate. Families are coming together, communicating as at no other time of the year. Smiles are often more likely to be seen than frowns. Children are discovering the joy and beauty of giving. Memories of our childhood, of parents, brothers and sisters are being refreshed. Some are learning for the first time what Jesus meant when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” as we read in Acts 20:35.
Friends are getting together, writing or calling, reviewing memories though separated by hundreds of miles. We are even hearing the name “Jesus” used in sentences without the common crass profanities of the day. There is some good in all of these, and they can create an atmosphere that is positive and uplifting for our neighbors, our culture and for us.
There are some things about this season that are not so positive. This is the time of year in which loneliness is most keenly felt. Animosity that is entrenched within some families is even more apparent. The incidence of suicide is more pronounced at this time of the year. Some charge that for merchants this is merely a “profit-making” experience, or the so-called “Green Christmas” phenomenon. Sadly, drunkenness is as characteristic of this time of the year as is giving and family. (The idea of giving a bottle of whiskey in the name of Jesus is absurd.)
Family squabbles arise more frequently. Yes, there are negatives about this time of the year.
There is another matter that needs to be discussed concerning this time of the year. Those who claim that Christmas is the celebration of the Jesus’ birth confuse the world. Simple research reveals that the origin of this modern “Christ-mass” has its roots in the pagan rites of Mithraism, which celebrates the “birth” of the sun. Other facets of the origin of Christmas have more background in Roman Catholicism than in the Bible. Read from Matthew to Revelation and you find not even the slightest information that would authorize anyone to “celebrate the birthday” of Christ.
I know these words may cause some to level the charge that I am “Scrooge,” but can we not be generous, kind, friendly and grateful without participating in a religious practice for which there is no Bible authority? In fact, kindness and gratitude are qualities that should personify every Christian. Not just in December, but every day of every month of every year.
It has always puzzled me that our religious neighbors feel free to deny the virgin birth of Jesus, for which scripture gives more than ample support, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-35, but then insist on observing Jesus’ birthday for which there is no biblical instruction at all. If I am a “Scrooge” for pointing out that truth, then so be it. But I can still exchange gifts with family and friends. I can still decorate my house, not with manger scenes or “Jesus Is The Reason For The Season” signs, but with traditional, seasonal ornaments. I can still put lights on a tree (there is absolutely no paganism involved in having a Christmas tree). I can send cards wishing others Happy Holidays without endorsing religious error. I can teach my children what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus at any time of the year. I can and should teach my children and my grandchildren the joy of giving in December as well as in June. In fact, there is nothing for which true Christianity should be embarrassed.
I’m thankful that Jesus was born, but even more thankful that He died for our sins and for yours.
Scrooge? You know better than that. I’ve probably been called much worse, and I may act like a Scrooge at times, but respecting the authority of God does not make me a Scrooge. It puts me in pretty good company. Like Jesus, Moses, Paul, Peter, Luke, James and John.
By the way, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
