Dickens and Disney’s Tiny Tims both hope that those who feel pity for a poor crippled boy in church “… will think of Him who made lame men walk” at Christmas time.

This was a lesson that Dickens meant for adults, as well as children.

There is no separating the generosity we owe to others from the generosity God has shown to us by sending his son to give us new hearts. Christmas shouldn’t just bring out the best in us once a year; it should transform our lives—as it did for Scrooge. Dickens knew where he wanted to end his story, and finished it accordingly:

“Some laughed to see the alteration in [Scrooge] but he let them laugh ... he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed that knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one!”

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Anglican Church of Australia • * Christian Life / Church Life • Church Year / Liturgical Seasons • Christmas • * Culture-Watch • Movies & Television • Poetry & Literature

1. robroy wrote: Took my 5 yo to the movie, yesterday. He didn’t really like it. I agree with the reviewer that this is really more for adults. I thought it was fantastic. Bob Cratchett’s line about how Tiny Tim wanted people to see him in church so that they would think about Him who made the lame walk and blind see was dramatic and could not be glossed over. I am planning to take my 8 yo who is a lot more mature. I would recommend it for ALL adults. Leave the kids at home to play with their new video games and take your spouse. The dialogue was faithful to the novel and wonderfully delivered. The artistry was awesome. This will be a classic. December 25, 2:50 pm | [comment link]

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