It wouldn’t be Christmas without a mention of A Christmas Carol
In the 1984 version for television with a George C. Scott as Scrooge, there is a repeated carol heard throughout the story. It appears that this “traditional” carol was composed for this version of the story. It is likely that no real song could be found that so perfectly captured the theme of the Scrooge story.
So grant us all a change of heart,
Rejoice for Mary’s son;
Pray, Peace on earth to all mankind,
God bless us everyone!
This focus on change of heart is later reinforced by Scrooge’s nephew Fred, who explains to his uncle the value of Christmas beyond gold and silver.
I have always thought of Christmas time as a kind, forgiving, charitable time. It is the one time of the year, when men and women open their hearts and think of all people as fellow passengers to the grave, and not as another race of creatures bound on different journeys.
One of the greatest things about the Christmas season is the opportunities it provides for change. Buoyed by the spirit of the time, people reach out to estranged friends or resolve to change their life. Though New Years calls for resolutions in the cold light of day, only Christmas gives an opportunity to grow through broadening of the heart and a heightened sense of collective experience, no matter one’s background or faith tradition.
I am grateful for the opportunity to reach out, to reconnect, and to reconcile that this time of year presents. And like a Fred, I say, “God bless it!”