No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.
– Charles Dickens
We always remember Charles Dickens at this time of year for his story called A Christmas Carol, with Tiny Tim and Scrooge and all the ghosts of Christmas. There is not a better ending to a story than when Scrooge awakes from his dreams and realizes that he has not missed Christmas morning! As Scrooge begins to make things right after many years of disregard for his fellow man, we see the good one person can do for another.
In Dickens’ mind our faith should move us to aid those around us, and his writing reflects this idea. The selfishness of Scrooge and Marley and their love of money dooms them to an eternity chained to their money box. How much better an eternity formed from generosity and love toward our fellow men and women? This is a simple story with profound meaning, one that continues to resonate though time. Personally, I prefer the movie version starring George C. Scott as Scrooge.
Jesus takes us to a similar place when he encourages us to “do unto others as you would have them do to you,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Generosity knows no season, it never fades nor wears out. Lighten the burden of another this holiday season and you’ll be putting the words of Dickens, and Jesus, into good practice.
