A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1843. This classic tale has been credited with restoring the holiday to one of merriment and festivity in Britain and America after a period of sobriety and somberness.
After the supernatural visits of a deceased business partner and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, a sour and stingy Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed into a joyful and generous soul. To this day, a spirit of generosity is associated with the spirit of Christmas.
The story of Christmas, however, did not begin in 1843. It began at the birth of Christ. This being the case, we realize that it is the Holy Spirit who is the true Spirit of Christmas! Thus we learn how to give—graciously and generously—because of how and how much God has given to us:
“For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16)
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
We’re generous because He’s generous. And we learn to initiate generosity—not simply respond when asked—because God’s great love sent His Son to die for us while we were still enemies of God (Romans 5:8).
“Freely you have received; freely give!” (Matthew 10:8)