The story overwhelmingly hammers the need to love and care for others, which is perhaps explicitly conveyed in Jacob Marley’s famous, chilling exhortation to his partner, Scrooge: “Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.” And yes, there can be no doubt that these are key responsibilities for us as Christians in this life. Still, there is the subtle call in the story for not only the fulfillment of obligation, but also an exuding of joy—of keeping Christmas well, all year round.
Scrooge not only becomes a man of God, doing good and sharing his wealth with those in need, but he is overwhelmed with the joy that follows when living within the Kingdom of Heaven. Scrooge realizes that being a Christian doesn’t merely entail responding well to life out of obligation, but rather, receiving the joyous gift of friendship with God. We love God, yes, because it’s right and just, but also because there is a tremendous happiness and joy in loving God for his own sake. If we live this out—and truly believe it—then others will see this anchored joy within us. And if they do, by the grace of God, we can melt hardened hearts this Christmas season, and every season.
