The holiday season is upon us, and like many traditions this time of year, I find myself drawn to Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, A Christmas Carol. Beyond its entertainment value, this story carries a profound message that resonates deeply with both Christian values and our basic human needs: The irreplaceable importance of relationships.
The Biblical Foundation of Relationships
Scripture tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up.” This divine wisdom perfectly mirrors the lesson Scrooge learns through his supernatural journey – wealth means nothing without people to share it with.
Why Relationships Matter More Than Gifts
Think about Ebenezer Scrooge – a man whose coffers overflow with gold but whose heart remains empty. His story serves as a powerful reminder that our most precious possessions aren’t wrapped in glittering paper beneath the Christmas tree. True wealth lies in the connections we forge with others.
In today’s fast-paced world, intentionally cultivating relationships is more crucial than ever. We need to build an inner circle of trusted friends and colleagues who:
- Encourage our growth
- Share our burdens
- Celebrate our victories
- Keep us accountable
The Ministry of Presence
During my college years, I worked at a busy department store, often racing between holiday family celebrations and early morning shifts (because retail never closes). I initially refused to patronize restaurants on Christmas Day, not wanting to keep others from their families. However, my mother shared a perspective that transformed my understanding: For some people, those restaurant workers might be their only human connection on Christmas Day.
This revelation echoes Jesus’s teachings about serving others and showing compassion to those who are alone or hurting. Matthew 25:40 reminds us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Practical Ways to Strengthen Relationships This Holiday Season
1. Practice Intentional Connection
- Schedule weekly phone calls with distant family members
- Send handwritten Christmas cards with personal messages
- Organize virtual gatherings for those who can’t travel
2. Extend Your Circle of Care
- Identify people in your community who might be alone
- Invite neighbors for holiday meals
- Volunteer at local shelters or community centers
3. Show Up for Others
- Visit elderly neighbors
- Bring meals to those working holiday shifts
- Include singles or widowed individuals in your family celebrations
4. Create New Traditions of Giving
- Adopt a family for Christmas
- Organize a neighborhood caroling event
- Start a prayer group for those struggling during the holidays
The Scrooge in All of Us
When we encounter someone who seems bitter about Christmas, let’s pause before judging. Their heart might be heavy with:
- Memories of lost loved ones
- Loneliness in a season of togetherness
- Past hurts that need healing
- Unfamiliarity with true Christmas joy
Making a Difference This Season
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, who came to establish the ultimate relationship between God and humanity, let’s remember that we’re called to be His hands and feet. This Christmas, look around your community:
- Who needs a friendly conversation?
- Which family could use support?
- Where can you share the love of Christ?
Remember, it’s never too late to embody the Christmas spirit by reaching out to others. After all, isn’t that what the first Christmas was all about – God reaching out to humanity through the gift of His Son?
What steps will you take today to strengthen your relationships and extend love to others this holiday season?