British author Charles Dickens did more to bring the meaning and celebration of Christmas into perspective for modern society than anyone.

The miserly old Scrooge and the humble family of “Tiny” Tim Cratchit are memorable for the opposite truths they portrayed, then and now.

Dickens was severely impacted by his father’s trip to debtor’s prison when he was child, giving him a glimpse inside the bleak realities that many families face through bad breaks, poor education, and a seemingly impossible path to prosperity or redemption.

Throughout the timeless story “A Christmas Carol,” readers discover the backstreets of life, the wealthy, the desire for a hardy meal, and the common desire of people to make merry and celebrate the season of love and giving.

Old Scrooge’s conversion into a Christmas-loving, generous old gent is one of literature’s great moments, which has been translated into cinema depictions countless times to the delight of audiences. In his grubbing old lifestyle, the master of an old London counting house sits upon a small fortune, a lifetime of wealth gained through hard work, no doubt, but also from his stingy nature developed through personal failures.

Dickens’ tale of Scrooge’s conversion and the joy he subsequently brought is not unlike the recorded story of the birth of Jesus. We are told in Luke that shepherds came to the manger after a visit from an angel. There, they beheld the Christ child in humble surroundings as they had been told, yet they were overcome with wonder and joy. They went about rejoicing from finding the child as they had been told by the angel.

Why shepherds? The keepers of the flock were no doubt tough, hard-working and trusted in their duties. In a sense, they became the first evangelists of the arrival of Christ.

Scrooge, though grumpy and hard-working, was trusted at this job. He could take care of a copper as well as anyone. Once he opened his heart to the same joy discovered by the shepherds, “Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world,” Dickens wrote.

Scrooge became one of the greater promoters of Christmas and the joy it intended. He kept that spirit throughout the year.

Often such spirit is found across our own community. The fundraisers and collection of food and toys for the less fortunate draw great participation, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

From the inspiring words of “A Christmas Carol” to the birth of a child in a lowly manger, the message is to rejoice and care for others, not just one holy night, but each day.

We are thankful that so many in our community practice the faith of charity and love throughout their daily lives. We wish you all a Merry Christmas.