Bah humbug!

One of the traditions we have in our house is watching the Muppet Christmas carol on Christmas Eve. I adore the muppets and this film is a real delight. From Michael Caine's pitch perfect performance to the memorable songs and the singing vegetables, it's an absolute joy.  

In December 2010, I decided to read the book. Partly so I could enjoy the original story but also so I could say that I'd read a work by Charles Dickens.

I'm glad I did as it's an absolute delight. Reading it again as I write this post, I come across wonderful lines such as...  

'Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!' and 'Even the blind men's dogs appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts;

And who knows what tiny seeds of faith could be sown by a viewer hearing Tiny Tim's hope that by seeing him on Christmas Day, people may remember who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see? 

But it's the ending that speaks to me the most. The sheer joy Scrooge shares of having this second chance. Realising that he hasn't died after all. Reading it for the first time, I could only think of how, in a small way, it mirrored how delighted I felt when I came to faith. I didn't leap around the room and make a Laocoön of myself - what a wonderful word - but instead I felt this immense glow, like after drinking the most scrumptious hot chocolate, knowing that I was loved by Jesus. 

Of course there is another well known phrase that The Christmas Carol, or rather Scrooge is known for, and that is the deliciously mean expression Bah! Humbug! which is also how our miniature Schnauzer, Charlie, chooses to express his displeasure with a few other dogs. Both of his Hoo-parents love books so of course he can't just bark! 

Do you have a favourite book by Dickens? Or a classic Christmas story that you love to return to each year? Let me know in the comments or on Facebook.

Christmas will be rather different for us all this year. How ever you celebrate it, I hope you have much to be thankful for and that you'll know the truth of these words uttered by Tiny Tim, 'God Bless us, Every One!'

Martin is a writer, baker, photographer and storyteller. He's been published in the ACW Christmas anthology and Lent devotional. He's currently honing his craft at flash fiction and you can find him on Twitter here.