We know it instantly when we sense it, but it is hard to describe and impossible to conjure up on our own.
Everything seems to change at Christmas. People become less intense, smiles are more common. The world truly seems to have a glow about it which we cannot quite explain. “It is Christmas,” is all we can say.
Perhaps the most beautiful story of magic worked by Christmas was written by Charles Dickens in his popular holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Perhaps no author in history has penned a more brilliant tale of good and evil, hardness and grace in the holiday season.
The central figure of this story is Ebenezer Scrooge, a parsimonious businessman known for his tight purse and a hard heart.
Also in the story is his impoverished employee, Bob Cratchit, who struggles without rest under Scrooge to support his family, including his crippled son, Tiny Tim.
Entering the story at a critical moment are three spirits who haunt Scrooge with visions. The first is the “Ghost of Christmas Past,” who takes him to see the better side of himself so long neglected. The ghost helps him to be “… conscious of a thousand odors floating in the air, each one connected with a thousand thoughts, and hopes, and joys, and cares long, long, forgotten.”
The second spirit comes; it is the “Ghost of Christmas Present.” This spirit helps Scrooge see the beauty of Christmas as celebrated by people with hearts transformed by Christmas.
The third spirit is one of foreboding. This ghost shows Scrooge his own destruction, the miserable pointlessness of his life and impending lonely death, mocked by those who knew him. Terrified by this glimpse of hell Scrooge begs the ghost for answers. None are given. Eerie silence chills his heart.
Finally Scrooge falls on his knees in prayer: “Holding up his hands in a last prayer to have his fate … reversed, he saw an alteration in the phantom’s hood and dress. It shrunk, collapsed, and dwindled down into a bedpost.”
We know the rest of the story. His heart transformed by the grace of repentance, Scrooge becomes the model of generosity, assisting the Cratchit family and many others. Scrooge is touched by the miracle of Christmas. He discovers love again.
Dicken’s tale reminds me of a story of Mother Teresa. She was ministering to a dying woman in the streets, carefully bathing her wounds, the woman all the time cursing her. “Why do you do this?” the woman shrieked.
“I do this for God, “Mother Teresa replied.
“Who is your God?” the woman demanded.
“You know my God,” Mother said gently. “My God is love.”
In this we see an insight into the magic of Christmas. It is not found in externals — the sounds, smells, colors or glitter. It is the discovery of love in our hearts, a love we often neglect or forget throughout the year. Christmas is a brief taste of heaven here on earth when we love one another. When we bring that love out and share with others, it transforms our world!