As I sit here listening to the familiar strains of White Christmas, I find my mind wandering back hundreds of years. I have often thought that I would love to live in the Victorian Era, if even for one day. The thought of wearing beautiful dresses made out of a gazillion yards of silk, and curling my hair with rags, and having the smell of fresh bread and cinnamon in the house is appealing for a moment or two. Then of course, the microwave dings as my tea is finished and I trip over my headset cord on the way to the kitchen. Ok, so Yankee Candle will do for the smells and I’m kind of comfy in my PJ’s.
One of the most famous stories from that time in history is The Christmas Carol, by none other than Charles Dickens. His own life was actually less than ideal. Although his father made good wages, the family always seemed to be low on funds for even basic needs. For several years they were in debtors’ prison. Yet, in spite of his circumstances or maybe even because of them, his creativity flowed and one of the results was this Classic that has touched hearts for years. If we hear much said of this story it is usually in reference to Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge. He is the namesake to which we label someone a “Scrooge†if they are tight with money or act grumpy when you say Merry Christmas!
My mind started wandering through the pages of Mr. Dickens writings. Thinking about my own Christmas Past, I got teary eyed, as I recalled my Grandpa’s smile as we opened gifts and I could almost smell my Grandma’s perfume as I helped get the Christmas dinner on the table. I could hear the laughter of my brothers as they tackled one another playing a game of football on the snow covered yard across from Grandpa’s house. I saw my Dad, running around with mistletoe, stealing kisses from my Mom.
Did I ever think of my friends then, did I see the neighbor kid who just wandered around the sidewalks on Christmas day because his home had no signs of love, joy, or celebration??
I thought then of Christmas Present. How lucky, I was thinking, to be with my family this Christmas. I’ve shopped with my mom, helped decorate her home for Christmas, baked cookies, and bought gifts for my nieces and nephews. This past week I spent it all 7 days with my husband, in the mountains where we took in beautiful sites, dined at quaint restaurants and even took in a Candlelight Christmas Concert. I begin to feel all warm and fuzzy inside then I think, what about the waitress at the Tupelo Honey Café. Is she having a good Christmas this year? Does she miss anyone this season? What about the new friend I met who got hit hard with some bad news last week? Am I doing anything to make a little difference in their lives? Is there a way I could spread the cheer of this season and its meaning?
I think my Christmas Future will depend on how I answer the questions of the Present. For it’s not where I will be or what my circumstances will be in Christmases to come that will ultimately determine my spirits in the future. I am reminded (as the Casting Crowns song says) to be the Hands, the Arms, the Words that are Healing. We are it. It’s as if we are all given the mission, but somehow it becomes brighter and in color at this time of year.
In the words of Jacob Marley……..
Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!''
Don’t underestimate what your good word, your gesture; your smile can do for someone having it rough this season. In the midst of your shopping, your Christmas parties, your wrapping presents, your fun filled days of picking trees, keep an eye out for that someone who may have lost their sense of joy and peace.
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