Ebenezer Scrooge and Christ (Part 6)

I wanted to do try to come up with some sort of “Christmas theme” for my December posts and came up with this idea.  I got an old copy of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol .  I was amazed at the parallels to the gospel.  So join along with me as we look for Christ in Dickens’ story.  (If say you “hum-bug” to this sort of post, join back up with us in January for more “traditional” postings.)

“The Ghost of Christmas Present rose.“Spirit,” said Scrooge submissively, “conduct me where you will.  I went forth last night on compulsion, and I learned a lesson which is working now.  Tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.”“Touch my robe!”Scrooge did as he was told, and held it fast. (Dickens, A Christmas Carol) 

“Ghost of the Future!” he exclaimed, “I fear you more than any specter I have seen.  But I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear you company and do it with a thankful heart.” (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.)

 “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” (Prov. 3:13-18) 

^“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Heb. 12:11)

There has been a transformation in Scrooge.  His heart has changed.  He has born the “pain” and discomfort of discipline, but is better for it.  His heart begins to seek a new sort of profit—the profit of wisdom.  Scrooge now seeks the revenue of redemption in the hope of “living to be another man from what I was.”  The moment a man’s heart realizes that not only does he need to be taught but also needs to be changed—he is ready for Christ.  This is not only a lesson for unbelievers, but also even the wisest member of the Church.  We must be teachable and ready to change for the glory of the Father.  We must be constant attendees in wisdom’s school of discipline.  We must seek the profit that is a “tree of life to those who embrace her.”  Those who learn this lesson “will be blessed.”