A Christmas Carol - 2010

Oh, how we love to villainize old Ebenezer Scrooge for his selfish intolerance, his lack of concern for the less fortunate, his disdain for societies cast-offs... yet, as Americans living one hundred and sixty-six years after Charles Dickens' classic story was written, are we really so different? We grudgingly fork over our taxes that pay for Welfare, Med i-Cal and the prison systems and expect that our duty to the poor is finished. We turn a blind eye to the needy ones right in front of us, rationalizing our actions in countless ways. Scrooge is an exaggerated character because of his outspokenness. He is a typical overachiever compensating for the cruel rejection of his father and the unfortunate events of his childhood. His early circumstances led to a desperate grasping for anything that would validate him in the world. Strangely, it was his success that molded a sour old miser out of a hurt little boy. The glorious conversion of such a bitter, set-in-his-ways sinner carries hope for us all because none of us is above reproach, none of us is without need for change. The world is, and always will be full of problems that we have the power to affect if we choose to. One little act of kindness can be the beginning of hope to someone mired in misfortune. One little word of encouragement to a doubting child can grant courage to try.
In this, the most famous ghost story of all time, we see the intercepting hand of God breaking into the world of man to grant another opportunity for repentance. He loves us all more than we know. His severe mercy will lovingly crush us if the end result might transform our perspective. He will do whatever it takes to reclaim our hearts. He is the author and finisher of our faith, and we are the fools who hold the keys of our own destinies by the little daily choices we make. Overcoming selfishness is a lifelong struggle for us all, yet it is the attribute of selflessness that most reflects godliness, and that is the only hope for this world.
Jesus set the ultimate example of how life should be done. He cared, he served, he helped, he pointed the way to God, who is our source when we run empty.

Christmas 2010

Comedy/drama written by John Jakes adapted from Charles Dickens

Performed at @gladtidings1950