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  • “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. Dr. Suess

Thursday, December 24, 2015

THE SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS

 Our old copy of Dickens Christmas Carol
Loved to pieces (published before copyright dates were  inscribed)

We found a lighted Christmas ornament this year, with the reformed Scrooge from Dickens’ Christmas Carol coming into the Cratchit home with Tiny Tim on his shoulder.

Ornament Inscription on back:
          “It was always said of him
            that he knew how to keep Christmas well,
            if any man alive possessed the knowledge.
           May that truly be said of us, and all of us.”

As David read again Dicken’s wonderful work, "A Christmas Carol," part of Scrooge’s conversation with the Ghost of Christmas Present captured his attention.

The Spirit of Christmas Present had been sprinkling the groceries of passersby with his torch.

     “Is there a particular flavor in what you sprinkle from your torch?”
       asked Scrooge.

     “There is. My own.”

     “Would it apply to any kind of dinner on this day?” asked Scrooge.

     “To any kindly given. To a poor one most.”

     “Why to a poor one most?” asked Scrooge.

     “Because it needs it most.”


When Scrooge journeyed forth with the Ghost of Christmas Past he expressed his fear of falling – being mortal.


The Spirit of Christmas Past touched his heart saying, “Bear but a touch of my hand there and you shall be upheld in more than this.”


The Ghost of Christmas Present bid him, “Touch my robe and hold it fast.”

After being transformed by these two spirits, and after being shown the headstone of his own grave, Scrooge, as Jacob in the 32nd chapter of Genesis, wrestled with the future. “In agony he caught the spectral hand. It sought to free itself, but he was strong in his entreaty, and detained it….”


May we lay hold of the Spirit of Christmas and thereby master our Christmases yet to come.

Love the Ames