Bob Cratchit - The Humble & the Blessed
“There never was such a goose. Bob said he didn’t believe there ever was such a goose cooked. Its tenderness and flavour, size and cheapness, were the themes of universal admiration. Eked out by the apple-sauce and mashed potatoes, it was a sufficient dinner for the whole family. . . . ‘Oh, a wonderful pudding!’ Bob Cratchit said, and calmly too, that he regarded it as the greatest success achieved by Mrs. Cratchit since their marriage, Mrs. Cratchit said that now the weight was off her mind, she would confess she had had her doubts about the quantity of flour. Everybody had something to say about it, but nobody said or thought it was at all a small pudding for a large family. It would have been flat heresy to do so. Any Cratchit would have blushed to hint at such a thing.”
(A Christmas Carol)
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
(Matthew 5:3-9)
Advent Day 10: Bob Cratchit – The Humble & the Blessed
(Theme: Peace — Contentment in Simplicity)
In A Christmas Carol, few characters shine with more warmth and goodness than Bob Cratchit. Despite long hours, meager pay, and the daily chill of Scrooge’s office, Bob maintains a gentle spirit and a heart full of gratitude. Dickens describes him leaving work on Christmas Eve with “fifteen ‘Bob’ a week, and a wife and family, talking about a merry Christmas.” Somehow, joy still finds him.
At home, the Cratchit family celebrates with humble abundance. Their Christmas dinner — a modest goose, potatoes, gravy, and pudding — is made magnificent by their love for one another. Dickens writes, “There never was such a goose. Bob said he didn’t believe there ever was such a goose cooked.” Their feast, though simple, becomes sacred because it is shared. Their laughter fills the small house more richly than any fine furnishings could.
Bob’s life mirrors the words of the apostle Paul: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11). True peace is not found in wealth, but in worship. The Cratchits remind us that contentment is not about what we have, but about who we have — God’s presence and the people we love.
In Bob’s humility, we see strength. He bears Scrooge’s cruelty with patience, prays for his employer despite injustice, and leads his family in faith. Even when he carries Tiny Tim on his shoulders, he radiates hope. Dickens tells us, “Bob held his withered little hand in his, as if he loved the child and wished to keep him by his side, and dreaded that he might be taken from him.” There is no bitterness in Bob — only tenderness, courage, and gratitude.
The Cratchit home is a picture of Advent peace — the quiet assurance that God is with us even in scarcity, sorrow, or strain. In that small, candle-lit room, love reigns where money never could.
Prayer
Lord of every good gift, teach me the secret of contentment. Help me to find peace not in possessions, but in Your presence. Give me a humble heart like Bob Cratchit’s — grateful, gentle, and generous. May my home, like his, be filled with joy that springs from love and faith. In this Advent season, remind me that the greatest riches are found in Christ alone. Amen.
O Come, O Come Immanuel
Latin Hymn, 12th century
Translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866)
O Come, O Come Immanuel
Latin Hymn, 12th century
Translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866)
Playlist Daily Highlight
We’ve provided multiple versions of this classic Christmas carol. Listen to your favorite style, but also try something new!
See if you find a new appreciation for this song or a different version than what you’re used to.
Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song and reflect on them. Let God speak to you in this moment.