Redemption: Classic Story of Redemption

“Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14)

We all have our favorite Christmas movies and take delight in watching them this time of year.  “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is my favorite. As a family we have watched this movie every year, and have seen live performances as well. The one with Alastair Sim is the version I prefer. In many ways the central theme of “A Christmas Carol” is the redemption of a human soul.

What captivates me about this story is the transformation of a bitter heart. Not surprisingly many of us can relate our personal stories of redemption to certain aspects of this story as we observe the miraculous change in Ebenezer Scrooge.

Now Ebenezer Scrooge was a selfish man, but blinded to the truth. Dickens describes him as,  “A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!” Pretty harsh words. To put it plainly he was a wretched old man. But not beyond hope.

First notice that he was a ruthless business man. Then take notice how his love for his fiancee diminished. In due course he valued his riches more than their relationship.

Next he was disloyal to his business partners who were once his friends. Furthermore, he did not look out for the best interests of his faithful and trustworthy employee, Bob Cratchit.

Lastly, he lacked compassion. When his only friend and business partner Bob Marley died it was no more than an annoying interruption to his work day.

The chain he forged in life was pretty cumbersome at this point. He was in bondage to his sinful nature. As this story takes us on a journey through the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, it clearly demonstrates a story of redemption.

Today we each have a story of redemption.

As Ebenezer Scrooge travels with the  “spirit of Christmas past” he is forced to reflect on his painful childhood. Some of the poor choices he made were a result of that imperfect childhood.

His heart becomes softened as he travels from place to place. There is guilt and regret. He begins to realize that his poor choices affected others.

In the same way the Holy Spirit probes the hearts of unbelievers who are blinded to their sinful natures. As stated by the apostle Paul, “In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

As the heart of an unbeliever softens, there is guilt and regret.

Next Ebenezer Scrooge travels with the “Spirit of Christmas present.” But his heart is still unrepentant and he says to the spirit of Christmas present, “Redeem someone younger, I am too old.” The point being he felt helpless to change himself.

As he continues his travels with the “Spirit of Christmas present” he deals with the dismal reality of his present life. At this point he realizes his transgressions.

Likewise, as the Holy Spirit continues to do a work in the heart of a non-believer he or she finally confronts their sinfulness.

Nevertheless, it is not until Ebenezer Scrooge travels with the “Spirit of Christmas yet to come,” and is led to his tombstone that he fully repents. Ebenezer’s words as quoted from the movie, “I repent, I do repent, I’m not the man I was.”

Similarly, when a person discerns the consequences of not turning from their sins, they can envision their tombstone for eternity. Eternal death is the ultimate finality. More importantly for many this will lead the way to repentance.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2Corinthians 5:17).

Of course this is a fictitious story of redemption. And most of us know the ending. As mentioned earlier Ebenezer Scrooge had a miraculous transformation. He woke up from his travels a new man, and viewed the world with a different set of eyes.

As told by Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge felt “joyful and giddy.”  He reconciled relationships, righted wrongs, and became better at everything.

In comparison, when a person comes to repentance he makes an admission of his guilt and sinfulness. He realizes he is helpless to change himself and he sees his need for Christ.

The blinders are removed from his eyes and he views the world from a divine perspective. Repentance makes us new, gives us new beginnings!

In the end, “The Christmas Carol,” is clearly a story of redemption. It’s a classic piece of literature that many hold dear to their hearts. Let’s remember the significance of this story at Christmas time, and throughout the year.

As quoted in the movie, “The Christ child lives in the hearts of men not just one day of the year, but 365 days of the year.”

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6a)