Scrooge literally means stingy with money. A great depiction of Scrooge may be found in the classic “A Christmas Carol” first published in 1843 by Charles Dickens’. We know “A Christmas Carol” evolved beyond the written print. The classic Dickens’ story can also be seen in movie and play form, albeit with variations and differing versions.

The Christmas Carol is a timeless story and its gifts are meant to manifest every day in all seasons.

Yet, the basic classic and timeless story remain both touching and historic in the way “A Christmas Carol” relates the pitfalls and hardships of stinginess and the heartaches of love lost. The Classic does not leave us there, however.

Thanks be to God, we each from time to time have Jacob Marley types who enter our lives. They warn us and tell us to break with whatever nonsense we are displaying. Sometimes these messages seem to come out of nowhere, ghost-like and profound—relate we better change our ways or we will have hell to pay, of course so to speak.

Even though, Ebenezer as we first are introduced to him was in a type of living hell, mean, angry, nasty to others and antisocial. He was miserable. 

What a wonderful friend it is whether they come in a dream or stand before us in a message from a book, movie, experience, writing or ordinary person. It comes on wings of fortune seeking to lift us out of our ruts or routes leading onto rocky roads.

Fortunate for us we have Jacob Marley’s appear in our lives. They may be wrapped in mystery when we least expect or want them. Marley’s wise words reach us nevertheless. 

Some good Samaritans come before us and may tell us straight—you best change your direction and ask for wisdom. They may also add: “how you are acting and where you may be headed may not be for your highest good or good at all.” Wow, that is a wake-up call.

And grouchy Ebenezer was ripe for such a visit. As a matter of fact, he would have three eager angels visit him and complete the job of transformation in one night for dear Ebenezer.   

So the master teachers as guiding angels of the past, present and yet to come visit each of us from time to time. We can call upon the process within ourselves at any time.

Near the end of the year is a great occasion to survey where we are, where we have come and what we intend the moments and year ahead to be filled with. 

Scrooge kept recreating the same misery year after year. Until, he broke with the miserly cycle. No doubt, he was very rich monetarily, yet poverty stricken in the areas of love, friendship and fulfilling purpose. All would change.

So it can be with us. I’m sure we are not as dramatic and poor in spirit as ‘Ol Ebenezer. We each have our areas to observe, places that need reforming and ideas to align with the divine laws of love and prosperity. We also have those strong and healthy patterns, characteristics and earned successes we can continue to run with.

While we look at some things we need to let go,  making room for the new and the more desirable outcomes and results, be joyful at the same time for the willingness to look into the ugly corners and let go the warn out things, tendencies and ways. 

Thus we welcome the fresh start and reinvigorated aliveness and keep on feeding success into what is already in the works in our lives. 

The angels got specific with Scrooge. He needed to clearly see where he was letting himself down and what was begging him to change in his life. Also the new and wonderful experiences were waiting to come into his life. He was blocking them because of his negative state. 

What is more, the moment, the very instant he changed his ways and acted from generosity and love, plus enthusiasm and immediacy he lifted and danced for joy. He then went about planting joyous things in the lives of those he held dear as well as those he did not know. 

The gems of wisdom from the three angels landed in Mr. Scrooge’s heart; and he became happy in his giving and receiving. He was remade through his receptivity and jubilant display.