Advent Day 2: Wealthy but Bankrupt

Scrooge is a miserable, cold, heartless, and unkind man; completely lacking in joy, warmth, compassion, and charity.

He has made a name for himself and is well-respected in the financial world. He made his fortune through his counting house as a banker and money changer. Yet, despite his immense wealth, Scrooge is bankrupt in a parallel economy. An economy not measured in British pounds, French francs, or American dollars. It is a spiritual economy measured in love, generosity, and benevolence.

Scrooge, despite his vast fortune, is bankrupt spiritually. His miserable demeanor is a symptom of his spiritual reality . . . he is dead.  The opening words of the novella, “Marley was dead, to begin with” sets the tone, for Marley and Scrooge are essentially the same man. “Sometimes people new to the business called Scrooge ‘Scrooge,’ and sometimes ‘Marley,’ but he answered to both names. It was all the same to him.” Both Marley and Scrooge are dead. Scrooge just doesn’t know it, yet.

Like Scrooge, we are all tempted to clutch relentlessly to our possessions, our bank accounts, our status . . . the things that give us a false sense of security and purpose. But seeking joy, peace, or meaning in these is inefficacious.

As Christians, God has called us to cling to the things of the Heavenly realm and eschew the things of this world. In Matthew 6.19-21, Jesus exhorts his disciples to store up their treasures in heaven rather than on earth. In Matthew 6.38, Jesus tells his disciples to be generous in giving to others. Proverbs 14.21 teaches that it is a sin to despise your neighbor, but you will be blessed for being kind to someone in need. The life of the follower of Jesus ought to be defined by love, charity, kindness, and self-sacrifice.

In this Christmas season, find ways to demonstrate kindness and benevolence to those in need. As a family, discuss what that might look like and then together . . . do it!