Advent Parable Movie: "A Christmas Carol"

Jesus often spoke in parables to teach new truths through stories that his listeners could relate to and understand. Movies might be considered a modern-day form of parable. While most are intended strictly for entertainment, some convey inspirational thoughts through the meaningful moments they portray. Holiday movies in particular often convey messages of peace, love, and goodwill. The characters we come to know as good friends and wise counselors speak to us through the voices of angels, children, elders, and spirits. Over the next few weeks, we will visit with some of our favorite people and places as we journey together to Bethlehem through film.

The story of “A Christmas Carol” written by Charles Dickens takes us to England in the mid-1800’s where we meet Ebenezer Scrooge on a cold dark day. Many variations of the story have been shared through the years from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” to “Scrooged.” The main character in each is miserably hateful and self-absorbed until visited by three spirits, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. Consumed by the losses and unresolved grief of his past, Scrooge aged into a bitter and greedy man who ignores the human need and suffering that surrounds him. The Spirits hold out the hope of healing, redemption, and new beginnings for Scrooge, but only if he is persuaded by them to change his ways.

The only one of the three who doesn’t speak is the Spirit of Christmas Future. It is a silent figure who points to a destination Scrooge is unprepared to see. The spirit offers no definitive answers for Scrooge as he questions the certainty of the vision before him. Scrooge brings the story to a close as he wakes up on a sunny Christmas morning with a renewed sense of purpose and goodwill. There are many unanswered questions as we begin our Advent travels this year. Some of us carry the weight of loss and grief past and present. Others wear the well-worn shoes of human need, the need for healing compassion and love.

We may begin our journey in the darkness of disease, apprehension, and unrest, but the light of the star is near. Though it may seem far away and dim, it continues to light the way to hope and change. Scrooge waited and watched for each spirit, one by one, as they provided direction, guidance, and understanding. Let us wait and watch for those who light our way and let us be light for those who are waiting and watching for a small baby born in a manger.

Deacon Tammy Eady