CLARKSVILLE, TN – What would Christmas be without reading or watching the exploits of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by spirits on a cold Christmas Eve night? The transformation of the mean-spirited miser to a benevolent and Godly man helps to make the holidays more meaningful to all who delight in the story. However, a presentation by Dr. Andrew Luna puts this traditional tale closer to Christian beliefs and Biblical teaching than many might imagine.
“This story is so fascinating,” said Luna. “Especially since so much Christian symbolism is tied to it.”
This presentation can be seen at Hopewell Baptist church in Cunningham at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21 and at Southside Methodist Church at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 3. Hopewell Baptist Church is located at 1450 Highway 13 in Cunningham. Southside Methodist Church is located at 4700 Chapel Hill Road in Southside, TN. All are invited to these fun presentations and there is no charge.
Aside from the Victorian backdrop and English cockney used throughout the book, Luna says Christian symbolism permeates the story. For instance, the title “A Christmas Carol,” uses the original meaning of the term carol which is a song celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the book has a lot more Christian symbolism contained within its pages.“Now, everybody should know who Bob Cratchit, is,” Luna said. “Cratchit was Scrooge’s clerk. However, in using the name Cratchit, Dickens has used the root word “Cratch” which is the English cockney word for Crèche, or the manger of baby Jesus.”
Luna points out that the Ghost of Christmas Past is also symbolic. When the Ghost traveled with Scrooge to see his past, he told Scrooge that the images were mere shadows of what had been. According to Ecclesiastes (3:15): “Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past into account.”Luna believes that Dickens covered his story with Christian symbolism, in part; to protest what he believed was hypocritical of the Church of England at that time. Luna also believes that Dickens wanted to get the message across that, no matter how much of a sinner one is, forgiveness is always available if one turns to God.
“With the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas musicals, plays, and parties, even the church community needs a restful time to sit back and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas,” Luna said. “This presentation allows church members to invite their friends and family to wear their favorite Christmas sweaters or ties, and to all sit together while they listen to the wonderful gift of God as told through the pages of a classic masterpiece.”
The presentation also features special Christmas music by Luna’s wife, Danita, who is a Christian recording artist. Luna has years of experience as an effective international speaker, and Danita’s music is well-known and loved throughout the southeast.