Advent Day 9: Belle – The Cost of Lost Love

(Theme: Peace — Letting Go and Trusting God’s Timing)

As Scrooge’s journey with the Ghost of Christmas Past continues, he is led to one of the most painful memories of all — the moment when Belle, his former fiancée, releases him from their engagement. Dickens captures the moment with heartbreaking simplicity. Belle says softly, “Another idol has displaced me; and if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve.” She loved him deeply, but she had seen his heart change. What had once been tender and full of promise had hardened into ambition and fear. Scrooge had begun to worship gold instead of love.

As he watches the memory unfold, Scrooge cries out in anguish: “Spirit, remove me from this place!” But the Spirit does not obey immediately. Sometimes, God holds us in the moment of loss so that we might finally see the truth — that love is the thing we were made for, and greed the thing that steals it.

How many of us have lost something — or someone — because of misplaced priorities? The world teaches us to pursue comfort, security, and success; but Scripture reminds us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). Belle’s quiet strength contrasts sharply with Scrooge’s selfish pursuit. She chooses peace through surrender. She recognizes that love cannot survive when a heart is divided.

Her final act of letting go mirrors the way God often calls us to release what we’ve clung to too tightly. When we loosen our grip on what we think we must have, we make room for what God truly desires to give. Belle’s choice is not bitter — it is brave. She entrusts her future to a God who will one day redeem even Scrooge’s hardened heart.

This is the peace of Advent — the peace that comes not from getting our way, but from trusting God’s way. In the quiet ache of loss, we can still believe that God is working redemption. For every “goodbye” surrendered to Him, there is a greater “hello” waiting on the horizon of His grace.

“Another idol has displaced me.” — Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
“Spirit, remove me from this place!” — Scrooge
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7