Tale of Two Christmases

Each year I have the privilege of reading and discussing A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. We focus on what it means to keep the spirit of Christmas and look at examples of characters in the novel and how they keep the spirit of Christmas. I ask them to reflect on which character they identify with the most:

The mayor with his 50 cooks and a party for the wealthy
The men raising money for the poor
The drunk, angry tailor, maybe attempting to drink the pain away
The clerk full of joy and going down slide 20 times
Scrooge bitter, angry, and maybe hiding a deep sadness
The nephew reaching out to family and extending hospitality
The caroler singing of Christ

We discuss the different reasons people might be “keeping Christmas” in these ways, and what the true spirit of Christmas really is. I asked them to reflect on how they “keep Christmas” and if it was true as well. If not, how might they lead their families in moving towards the true, good, and beautiful meaning of Christmas we have in Christ.

They were then tasked with writing a poem about their reflections and experience. Upon reading one of my student’s poems I wanted to share it with you all.

Gifts of the Spirit
by a Sophomore

Through the pain of birth
Came the blessing to the world
Freeing those from sin,
With the Beauty of a violin.

 Incarnated in human form
God’s promise fulfilled
The prophets’ word proven true
Comes the choice of man or God to you.

 Christmas, lavished in wealth and gifts,
Started in a poor dirty manger.
Have we lost the meaning of this day,
For we focus on what leads us astray

 Therefore, look not on the gifts of the world,
But rather the gift of the spirit.
The freedom to start anew,
The freedom to know the truth

Do not let the pain and suffering
Of Jesus Christ waste away
We are called upon to spread this good word,
May it be heard.

 He has brought the Truth and Love
Of his Father to our hearts
Therefore to Him be glory forever, 
Our Savior through every endeavor.

 Upon reading this wonderful poem, I was reflecting on the tale of two different Christmas celebrations. If you look at the image above, you can see the people focused one one another, the party, the richness of the season. However, the true reason for Christmas lies forgotten in the background.

I pray that this is not true of myself or for you and your family this year. It’s a worthy task to consider how you are keeping the spirit of Christmas. Are you like the wealthy mayor and the Christmas party? Or do you walk back towards the poor, dirty manger to bow on your knees to the King of Kings?

I pray that we might pause and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas this year.