Scrooge, Grinch, Hobbs, and God’s Saving Grace from Confession

Every Christmas classic that has permeated every generation always has that one character that lacks the spirit of Christmas. Then, it took inspiration from another or an inner conflict that would develop them into getting into the Christmas Spirit by the end of the film or story. Many of our beloved classics have shown just that. They can even provide a powerful lesson in receiving God’s love and mercy.

Scrooge

Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the prime examples of how one can lack the Christmas spirit. In Charles Dickens's “A Christmas Carol,” he is portrayed as a cold, miserable person who heavily despises Christmas. He was described as “The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice." He is known for saying the phrase, “Bah! Humbug”.

He would have a nephew that he would belittle after his invitation to Christmas dinner

As it is revealed, he would be visited by the ghosts of Christmas, representing the past, present, and future. It would be preceded by the ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased partner, who would warn him of what is to come.

The ghost of Christmas past would show Scrooge the memories of his upbringing, including his sister Fan, ex-fiancée Belle, who left him for another man because of his love of money, and of his father who had a change of heart, which foreshadows what was to come in the story.

The ghost of Christmas Present appears to Scrooge to warn him of what can happen to Tiny Tim, son of his assistant Bob Cratchit if he continues to be selfish and greedy. They would visit his nephew’s Christmas dinner. During the visit, Fred would defend his uncle from the snide remarks made by his guests.

The ghost of Christmas Yet to come would finally appear to Scrooge. He, too, shows what could happen to him if he continues to be selfish and greedy. Scrooge sees a devastated Cratchit family after Tiny Tim’s death, Scrooge’s gravesite is neglected, debtors are relieved, and many more. Coming to his senses, Scrooge begs that it doesn’t happen as he vows to be generous and for another chance.

By Christmas morning, Scrooge turned himself around. He helped Tiny Tim, attends his nephew’s Christmas dinner, and donates to a charity fund.

The Grinch

Dr. Seuss gave us a beloved Christmas classic that teaches us how someone’s heart can change. That can be found in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,”

The Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for everyone who lives in Whoville. He befriends Cindy Lou Who, who shows kindness and compassion towards him. She would invite him to Christmas dinner, give him a gift, and help him see that Christmas is more than just materialistic things.

Through Cindy Lou’s example, the heart that was once hardened was softened by the kindness of every Who. This comes when he realizes the joy of the continuation of their celebration of Christmas. In the end, he returned everything that was stolen and joined in their joyful celebration.

Walter Hobbs

A modern take on Scrooge can be seen in the 2003 film, “Elf,” The movie follows Buddy who discovers that he is a human living in the North Pole. Santa tells Buddy that his father is on the naughty list after giving in to his selfish ways. He keeps putting work ahead of his family. Santa says that there is a chance for him to change. He would go on an adventure to New York to meet his father, Walter Hobbs.

Walter never knew that his former mistress Susan was pregnant after the break-up. Walter would slowly realize his long-lost son was found. After berating him on Christmas Eve at his work, Buddy would run away until Satan crashes into Central Park.

When Michael tells Walter that Buddy is missing, he will be challenged to decide between his family and job. In the end, Walter goes with his son to find Buddy, help Satna fix his sleigh, and bring the Christmas spirit to everyone. Michael would even encourage Walter to sing when caught lip-syncing to Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

After a year, Walter became a generous and kind person. He starts his own publishing company and has Buddy create a children’s book named after him, which became a Best-

Seller.

So, what does each have to do with God’s mercy? These beloved characters teach us that there are never far from God’s redeeming love. It is shown through the people they meet along the way and even an inner struggle.

For someone who is reading this, we may know someone who has thrown the towel after a life circumstance and abandoned God. God will never abandon us. Our own selves are keeping us from him.

With Christmas just days away, we need to make use of his Sacrament of Mercy. Many churches will have either an extended hour of confession before Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent or a penance service. One must muster the strength to receive his mercy.

Go to confession and encourage others to seek his mercy.

Be the light.