'Three' Ghosts. A Christmas Tale.

Hi All. At the risk of being thought religious I will put this little essay under the heading of 'materialistic symbolism!!'. When Scrooge was visited by his 'three' ghosts (see what I mean), he was being reminded of past present and future actions that had or could affect him or had played a part in his misery, for he was a very miserable man. The first ghost, from the past was poor old Jacob Marley. He clanked around in the chains he had forged himself. His chains were his meanness, selfishness and lack of understanding about his fellow beings. Perhaps this can relate to how we were before our illness. I know I was! The poor chap was stuck with this terrible existence because he would not or could not learn. The past is gone. Recriminations and guilt avail us nothing so we should let go of the past. When visited by the ghost of Christmas present Scrooge was not shocked to learn how others suffered. "Are there no prisons, workhouses"? A lack of sympathy and understanding. How many 'Scrooges' have you met since you have been ill? This was a total denial of what he saw around him; he would not 'face' the facts. Had he done so he would have felt a responsibility for the poor, the sick and the destitute. This was too much and would have meant not only paying money but giving of himself, which is much more important. (He finally did this at his nephew's house). We, on this site give, without thought of reward, which is unusual in this day and age. There is not a 'Scrooge' to be seen! But only because we know what it is to suffer. Scrooge didn't. Christmas future proved to be a bit jolly but not for poor old Scrooge. He was suddenly confronted with his mortality and the fact that unless he mended his ways, he was heading for disaster. Perhaps he was having a breakdown or, as I prefer to call it, a 'breakthrough'. Perhaps we have to change our ways? Perhaps the life we have led (unknowingly) has brought us to this point in suffering. It is not our fault but, like Scrooge, we can put it right, given the right encouragement. The sheer joy he found in doing right is like the giving of Love and expecting no return. Tiny Tim sums it all up. A child without malice and without an ego to get in his way. If I may say it. "God bless you, every one" Have the best Christmas possible in the circumstances. Love. jonathan.

[ellabella]

Love your stories Jonathan! I hope you know I expect one every day now!! God Bless You Too! xxxxxxx

[Hidden in reply to ellabella]

Hi ella. Hope you feel better. Will try and gather inspiration just for you. Love. jonathan

[fadedlizard]

A lovely and insightful post, Jonathan.

Thank you.x