DAY ONE: The Visitation from Marley’s Ghost

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Let’s jump into the familiar story, full of friendly (and not so friendly!) ghosts, kind-hearted Bob Cratchit, and good old Tiny Tim to find out if there’s anything new we can glean about our present-day selves from this beloved Christmas story.

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Anyone who has ever read Charles Dickens’ classic tale or seen it on the big screen (Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol, anyone?!), knows that Scrooge is the definition of greed. So much so that his very name is a synonym for the word.

But while Scrooge is obviously greedy with the one thing he loves most in the world—money—he’s also greedy with another commodity that might hit closer to home today: time.

You might be thinking, I’m not greedy with my time! Have you seen my Google calendar, especially in December? It’s full of things I’m doing for other people!

Exactly. It’s full.

We don’t have time to spare anymore.

Sure, we might think we’re doing a bunch of things for other people—holiday parties, Christmas programs, end-of-year fundraisers—but how often are we neglecting the people God has placed right in front of us in favor of the bright and shiny get-togethers of the holiday season?

Forgetting to call our grandparents to check in because our days are just too full. Being physically, but not emotionally, present with our spouse. Overlooking the many impoverished children and families in our own communities and around the world.

Like Scrooge, we greedily guard against anything (or anyone!) that would interrupt our plans or throw off our productivity. Old Ebenezer would applaud this miserable hoarding of each hour, but we’re called to be generous in all things, especially our time.

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In a letter to some friends wanting to know how to live well, the apostle Paul writes: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others…Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT). When we choose to be greedy with our time, we’re choosing to put ourselves above everyone else around us. The day becomes about what I want, about what I value, about what I can accomplish.

Jesus himself echoes Paul’s sentiment when he tells us to guard against every kind of greed since life is not measured by how much you own (Luke 12:15).

Greed isn’t simply limited to Scrooge counting coins in the dank offices of his firm—it’s you and me running around thinking we’re the main character in our own version of A Christmas Carol. News flash: that role wasn’t super enjoyable for Scrooge, and it won’t be for us either unless we choose to release the vise-grip we have on our time.

God invites us to a life of so much more, to be so much more than the main event. Let’s examine our own greedy tendencies this Christmas season, and choose instead to put the needs of others above our own.

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Day 1 Question: In what areas do you struggle to be generous? A lot of us hoard our time like Scrooge hoarded his money. How can you be more generous with your time this Christmas season? What can you remove from your agenda so you’re able to truly embody that spirit of generosity?

For Reflection: Matthew 25:40-45

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Jump into the world of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol by listening to episode 1 of the companion podcast on The Bridge Podcast Network here!

Do you have questions about Jesus? Please explore our CONNECT TO JESUS video and resources on The Bridge.

Additional Scrooge Resources:

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Podcast
Be entertained and inspired by a fresh retelling of the Christmas classic. You know the story of A Christmas Carol, but you’ve never heard it like this. Get drawn into the powerful story of forgiveness and redemption in this all-new audio experience starring Hollywood pros like Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, and Juliet Mills.
Be a Scrooge - Sermon Series Guide
This Christmas, discover the transformative power of Jesus through the unlikely story of Ebenezer Scrooge. In this three-week sermon series, we'll explore the biblical themes of redemption, forgiveness, and hope found in A Christmas
Be A Scrooge - Worship Playlist
Worship ministry ideas to accompany Be a Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Sermon Series. Songs that invite your congregation into a journey of heart transformation, much like Scrooge’s, moving from a place of darkness and despair into the light of grace, renewal, and celebration.
Be A Scrooge - Children's Sunday School Guide
Four complete Sunday School lessons to share scripture for life with young people through the lense of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.
Be a Scrooge - Family Discussion Guide
Three weeks of guided family discussion and application of scripture to life, through the lense of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.
Be A Scrooge - Family Activity Pack
This fun Family Activity Guide will help you make the most of the podcast experience. Each of the four Scrooge episodes has an interactive object lesson to guide your family into meaningful discussions through fun activities.