Each Christmas we have been purchasing a classic Christmas movie for our family, and what a blessing it was to me to find a wonderful copy of A Christmas Carol this year to add to our collection for a mere $5.99. We have seen most of the different editions of this movie, and we really enjoy this version for its almost perfect accuracy with the original book by Charles Dickens.
After viewing this film, I was greatly challenged afresh to see how easily mammon can become an idol in my own life as Scrooge experiences in this story. I fall into that hording tightwad mentality as a frugal mommy so easily, especially in the current state of our economy. I fail to realize that Christmas, and all year round for that matter, presents many glorious opportunities to communicate how deeply Christ sacrificed for us in coming to dwell among us and that true joy and satisfaction that comes by sharing that love and giving my time and resources for the benefit of those far more needy then myself. How much more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)! It seems such a backwards truth and yet it is so true and beautifully pictured in this movie.
While reading a wonderful Christmas story in Dr. James Dobson’s book, A Family Christmas (an excellent family collection of Christmas stories), I was struck by these 
words:
‘The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt. 25:40)
“There is no higher privilege, no deeper joy, than to become Jesus Christ – if only for a moment – to someone who needs Him in a moment of trouble or deep distress. It’s more than just speaking or teaching about Him. It is actually stepping into His place, becoming His hands and feet. It is allowing Him to so fill your heart and empower your life that your touch becomes His touch…your voice becomes His voice…your compassion and mercy and tenderness becomes his, poured out to a hurting world.
“And when we do these things…when we feed the hungry, take in a stranger, clothe the naked, or visit the sick or the prisoner in His name and His power, something mysterious happens. The King tells us, ‘You did that for Me. You touched My life, in My need, and I will remember it for eternity.’
On a Christmas long ago, He came as a light into a hopeless world. Through our yielded, available lives, His love continues to push back the darkness.”
Did you know that 1 in 4 Christian Protestants does not give at all? Oh Lord, change our hearts! May we be Your hands and feet to a hurting world! What a glorious opportunity we have before us. How can I become Jesus to someone today?
For an excellent sermon on giving this Christmas and during this difficult economic time for many of us, please check out Mark Driscoll’s sermon titled Generous on 2 Cor. 8-9.
Has your family watched the The Muppet Christmas Carol? I absolutely love this one and the original is now going for $150 on Amazon! Is that crazy or what! Bt the new additions are under 10. Anyway. I love the music in the video. The songs stay with me. If you have not seen it you should check it out for your little ones! But, even as an adult, I love it!