The Joy of Generosity: Love Gives Freely and Cheerfully
“‘Do you know whether they’ve sold the prize Turkey that was hanging up there? Not the little prize Turkey; the big one! . . . I’ll send it to Bob Cratchit’s!’ whispered Scrooge, rubbing his hands, and splitting with a laugh. ‘He sha’n’t know who sends it.'”
(Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, Stave 5)
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Advent Day 21 — The Joy of Generosity: Love Gives Freely and Cheerfully
Theme: Love gives freely and cheerfully.
By the end of A Christmas Carol, the man once known for counting every coin becomes famous for his open hand. Scrooge’s transformation is never clearer than in his acts of joyful generosity. The miser who once begrudged Bob Cratchit a lump of coal now sends him “the prize turkey from the poulterer’s window,” laughing as he does so. Dickens writes, “His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”
Here is the miracle of grace at work — not a reluctant obligation, but a bubbling joy that overflows into generosity. Scrooge doesn’t give because he must; he gives because he can. Love has set him free from the tight-fisted fear that once enslaved him.
Generosity, in its truest form, is the fruit of a changed heart. When we know the lavish love of Christ — that “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9) — our giving ceases to be transaction and becomes worship. We give because we have received, and the joy of sharing multiplies the joy of salvation.
Dickens captures in Scrooge’s transformation what Paul expresses to the Corinthians: the grace of giving is itself a grace — a participation in the very heart of God. Each act of generosity, whether great or small, echoes the gift of the Incarnation. The God who gave His only Son invites us to join Him in the delight of self-giving love.
As you reflect on today’s artwork, perhaps depicting Scrooge’s beaming face as he embraces Fred or offers his hand to Bob, notice the light — joy radiates from him like the glow of the Christmas morning sun. Let the Advent Playlist guide your meditation with songs such as “Joy to the World” or “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.”
Today, consider what joyful generosity might look like for you. Maybe it’s sharing time with someone lonely, forgiving a debt of the heart, or giving to a need that stirs your compassion. Give not out of guilt, but out of grace — not out of duty, but delight.
Prayer
Gracious Giver, You have held nothing back from me — not even Your own Son. Teach me the joy of open-handed love,
the laughter of a heart set free to give. Let my generosity reflect Your goodness, and may every gift I offer point others to Your unfailing grace. In the name of Jesus, the greatest Gift, Amen.
Artwork: “It’s I, your uncle Scrooge. I have come to dinner. Will you let me in, Fred?”
Artist: Arthur Rackham
Medium: Hand-drawn with watercolor washing
Date: 1915
Published in: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Artistic Analysis
1. Artistic Style
Arthur Rackham’s unmistakable style is central to the image:
Loose yet expressive ink lines define the figures and objects with a slightly whimsical irregularity.
Soft, translucent watercolor washes create mood rather than strict realism.
Muted, earthy tones are characteristic of Rackham’s palette—warm browns, grays, and golds dominate, creating a gentle and nostalgic atmosphere.
Rackham’s work often blends the fantastical with the human, and here he softens Dickens’s world with a touch of fairytale warmth.
2. Narrative Moment
The illustration captures a pivotal emotional moment from A Christmas Carol:
Scrooge, newly transformed, arrives at his nephew Fred’s home for Christmas dinner.
The image conveys:
Scrooge’s hesitant humility—a man unused to warmth and welcome.
Fred and his young wife’s open, heartfelt invitation, signaling forgiveness, joy, and family connection.
This is the moment when Scrooge first steps into genuine human fellowship after years of isolation.
3. Composition
Rackham arranges the scene to emphasize Scrooge’s transition:
The Doorway
Scrooge stands framed in an open door, still partly in shadow.
Symbolically, he is at a threshold, moving from his cold, lonely world into a warm, loving family space.
The Gesture of Welcome
Fred’s arms are extended toward Scrooge, bridging the space between them.
His wife stands just behind, adding depth and human warmth.
Their posture literally draws Scrooge into the circle of light.
The Table
The bright white tablecloth and the piled fruit suggest abundance, festivity, and generosity.
The table anchors the right side of the image, representing the joy Scrooge is being invited into.
Rackham’s composition guides the viewer’s eye from the dark doorway → to Fred’s gesture → to the glowing celebration.
4. Color, Light, and Mood
Rackham uses light and color symbolically:
Warm golden light fills the dining room, highlighting abundant food and decorations.
Scrooge, in contrast, is painted in cooler, grayer hues, conveying the remnants of his old life.
The holly, ribbons, and soft red accents connect the moment to Christmas symbolism and renewal.
The overall mood is gentle, hopeful, and emotionally restorative.
5. Symbolic Elements
This scene is rich in Dickensian and Rackham-esque symbolism:
The Door: A moment of transformation; Scrooge crosses from his past into redemption.
Outstretched Hands: Forgiveness, acceptance, family, and unconditional welcome.
Holly Decorations: Tradition, festivity, and the promise of renewal.
Fruit and Tableware: Material signs of generosity, hospitality, and fellowship.
Rackham uses these elements to emphasize that Scrooge’s redemption is not only spiritual but relational.
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.