December is one of the most bittersweet months of the whole year, for, as we revisit some of our favorite people, places, and memories, we are also pained by the memory of lost friends, family, and dreams. Yet December, especially Christmas, holds a unique message for all of us to embrace.
As an older man, Dickens looks back on his past and remembers the jolly picture of everyone gathered around the tree. As a child, he looked upon everything and everyone in the spirit of Christmas. Everyone was together and kind, and everything was magic.
All Are Welcome
With such sad recollections, Dickens acknowledges that depression might prevail. Yet he throws off this sad spirit for a better one. During this special time, he welcomes the bittersweet that resides in himself and in others, exclaiming: “Nearer and closer to our hearts be the Christmas spirit, which is the spirit of active usefulness, perseverance, cheerful discharge of duty, kindness and forbearance!”Dickens shuts out no one from his home and heart at Christmas, not even Death. To his fireside he welcomes the souls of those who have passed. He sees a young “misshapen boy” who died but now walks in by Dickens’s fireside. He acknowledges all of the children, mothers, fathers, and friends, seemingly forgotten, now at peace.
Yet, we may think, not even death is as bad as sin. Surely, Dickens would not welcome all the world’s wicked deeds and evil people into his home and heart. He does, for the ugly is just as much a part of humanity as the beautiful. With a loving heart, Dickens says: “In the season of immortal hope, and on the birthday of immortal mercy, we will shut out Nothing!” Forgiveness abounds in his heart for his fellow men at this time of year.
Moreover, Dickens will not keep this Christmas spirit designated to Christmas time only. No! He allows it to surround and permeate his past, present, and future. He carries this spirit with him throughout the year, learning all its lessons.
Through this story, Dickens encourages us to cultivate the spirit of Christmas in our hearts and homes in this Christmas season and throughout the whole year. He wishes us to accept this bittersweet season with perseverance, courage, and love. For the bittersweet makes us human.
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!
By welcoming God into our lives, we welcome humanity, seeing its beauties and forgiving its flaws. As Christmas approaches, let us prepare to let peace reign in our hearts and in our homes. Let us shut out no one in a loving and forgiving spirit, so that we may obtain that heavenly peace, which will never die.
