I remember watching a Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, every year around this time. There was even an animated version featuring Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit. I always like the story. I mean who doesn't like a ghost story?Paige and I went to see the Portland Center Stage theater production of it last night. Wow! It was so good. The set was amazing. Paige particularly enjoyed the ghost of Jacob Marley. I was struck by the message of it all. The theme of redemption is beautiful. As Ebenezer gets the opportunity to look back over his life, we the viewer are reminded that bitterness and isolation is not something that happens quickly in life, but is often the result of broken dreams and hearts. AND YET.. there is hope. Ebenezer did get the chance to change the direction of his life. He was able to capture the real spirit of Christmas, and of life. That is hope in action.
The other piece that I walked away with was the reminder that we as a community must be concerned about those who are needy in our society. A Christmas Carol is set in Victorian England. A time when the disparity between rich and poor was expansive and virtually impossible to cross. Charles Dickens was challenging the readers of his time to become aware of the needs that they walked by every day. His message is still so relevant today. How easy is it to make our lives so very comfortable and as a result so very disconnected from those who have little to nothing in our society? Christmas is a GREAT time to be reminded of this, to take stock of what IS really important.
I will be honest, I often have a hard time at Christmas. There is so much hustle and bustle, it can get a bit overwhelming. In the past few years, I have been drawn back to the beauty of the season, however.
Imago Dei came up with the idea of Advent Conspiracy a few years ago. The whole idea is to take a real look at what we have allowed Christmas to become in our lives, and ask ourselves if there are ways to replace the consumer craziness with a heart of worship.
I hope that you will check out the video that Imago Dei put together, and take a moment to let this impact your heart this season.
God Bless us Everyone!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU
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1 comment:
I am so happy for your Christmas this year...and I also love that play. I have never seen it in Portland, but used to have it as an annual tradition in Chicago (along with so many other things....big sigh) Do have a great Christmas this year filled with love, joy, peace and patience (and whatever other fruit you happen to get...satsumas, oranges, etc etc!)
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