In this series, we encourage you to find Jesus and Truth in some of your favorite Christmas films. Another movie that we check off our Christmas movie playlist is A Christmas Carol. There are thought to be some 135 different versions of A Christmas Carol, dating all the way back to 1916! The versions that we watch in our house with the children are Mickey’s Christmas Carol and The Muppet Christmas Carol. No matter the adaptation, the basic story stays the same: Ebenezer Scrooge is a shrewd businessman who cares only for money and, as such, he treats his employees unkindly and is so grouchy that even his name has become an adjective for grumpy people.

On Christmas Eve night, Scrooge is visited by a guiding spirit who informs him that he will be visited by three ghosts: the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. With each visit Scrooge begins to see his life in a new way, that his past was filled with joy and some heartache, that his present isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that he has no future going the way he’s going. Scrooge gets an opportunity to see past his own life and into the lives of his employees who have so little and yet are still so happy. After the visits from the ghosts, Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning a changed man. He begins to give all his money to charities and those in need, and he visits his employee to bring presents and a large Christmas meal! This fictional story by Charles Dickens reminds me of a true story in the Bible.

“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.” (Luke 19:1-2)

Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector and had become very rich. That seems to be all Luke thought we needed to know about Zacchaeus’ character. Given that Zacchaeus wasn’t very tall, when he heard Jesus was coming closer he climbed a sycamore tree to get a better look. This might have been a foolish thing to do for a man, especially a rich one, but it’s clear that Zacchaeus was desperate to see Jesus.

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’ Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.” (Luke 19:5-6)

He would be visited, not by three ghosts, but by Jesus Christ, and Zacchaeus would come out a changed man.

“Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!’ Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.’” (Luke 19:8-10)

It would be hard to believe that Mr. Dickens was not thinking of this story from the Bible when he was writing A Christmas Carol. Zacchaeus had become very rich and Jesus had taught that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We get so attached to wealth and the things of this world that they can crowd us on our journey along the narrow road. But after spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus gave his money away to those who needed it and paid back all those whom he had cheated. Jesus changes those who open their hearts to him. With the three ghosts, Scrooge got to see his life in different stages. With Jesus, we get Life itself. Allow Him to have such an impact on you this Christmas season. Don’t hold on to your wealth, but give it away to those who need it!

“If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” (Luke 17:33)

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.