A Christmas Wish

In his classic book entitled A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens describes the time when the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, faces an unwelcome visit from two gentlemen who were attempting to raise some money to help the poor. You may remember the scene in Scrooge’s office when the men said, “a few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time (at Christmas) because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.” Expecting a positive response from Scrooge, one of the men simply asked, “What shall I put you down for?” The dialogue that follows is revealing:

“Nothing!” Scrooge replied.
“You wish to be anonymous?”
“I wish to be left alone…It’s not my business…Mine occupies me constantly…” said Scrooge.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen!”

This little piece of dialogue between Scrooge and his visitors reveals something of the spirit of the age – a spirit that hinders people from turning a compassionate gaze to the needs of others, whether at Christmas time or at any other time of the year. And yet, consider what the apostle Paul said to the Philippians in direct opposition to the world’s point of view: “Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Phil. 2:4, The Message). Paul’s words reveal an important truth: Laying aside your own wants and desires is the first step to really helping others live a better life!

Dickens concludes his story by telling us that when Scrooge became a changed man, “he knew how to keep Christmas well.” In other words, Scrooge learned how to give his life away for the benefit of others. Wouldn’t such an attitude be the best Christmas wish of all?