Ever since its first publication in 1843, Charles Dickens'
A Christmas Carol has been a holiday classic. The legendary story of the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, from "Bah, humbug!" to "God bless us, everyone!", is as much a part of Christmas as mistletoe and Santa Claus. Dickens originally wrote
A Christmas Carol to revive the joyful traditions of Christmas and the celebration of the yuletide, since Cromwell's Puritan revolution in England had prohibited any rites or practices deemed "pagan."
A Christmas Carol nearly singlehandedly rejuvenated those traditions in Victorian England.
Yet the story of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge is also a meaningful story for people of faith. And a wonderful story to study as part of the Advent Journey to the manger outside Bethlehem.
Some of the themes found within the story that make it an interesting study for Advent and Christmas include hope, redemption, transformation, the work for the Spirit, and the Christian life. You are invited to join the midweek Advent journey to Bethlehem. Our study begins at 7pm Wednesday, November 30, during the celebration of evening prayer in the sanctuary.
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