 | A literary Christmas classic meets a modern narrative of hope & healing. |
Last week we were gifted with news of another Signed, Sealed, Delivered installment coming our way in 2019, and even got a DVD release date for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Road Less Traveled.
This week we get another gift in the form of a fresh look at a literary connection made in For Christmas which puts a whole new spin on hope and healing, courtesy of Kirsten's latest guest blog!
This week we get another gift in the form of a fresh look at a literary connection made in For Christmas which puts a whole new spin on hope and healing, courtesy of Kirsten's latest guest blog!
It is a rare occurrence when the audience of Signed, Sealed, Delivered gets a glimpse into the reading lives of the POstables. But it should not be a surprise that they are readers. I have no problem imagining Norman’s storehouse of books—heirlooms, most likely, collector’s editions, probably—given that he loves stamp collections, and carefully keeps an old valentine because of the treasure of its existence. Any book preserving the safekeeping of information is his specialty—that, and books with pictures. Rita has a flair for the romantic, and is more inclined toward the adventurous tale. Shane reads, definitely; she would have learned the skill of analysis and fact-gathering from her debating days. She likely still has at least one bookshelf dedicated to the art history books she would have needed for college, though I imagine that these days Shane reads more often from an electronic device than from an actual book. And Oliver—Oliver tends to prefer the classics, with their wealth of deep story, explored significance, and intuitive characters—the kind of story that preserves rich dialogue and honors truth and principle, and does not waver in honesty or in revelation.
The reality of Oliver’s character, and the knowledge that he does indeed have a book on his bookshelf that shares the traits outlined above, make us wonder at Oliver’s inability to actually read it. The title is A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, written in 1843. The book was instantly a bestseller, and is popular still today. In Signed, Sealed, Delivered: For Christmas, Oliver says he read the book in high school, and has been wanting to reread it—yet cannot get himself into it. It seems he has become estranged from even “books, and things from the past”—the things he loves. The reality of loss, coupled with the fact that a main character introduced in the film is a Jordan Marley, causes us to take notice. Books frame our thoughts, and often provide a sort of commentary on our lives. Perhaps Oliver is afraid of that. His reticence could translate into his avoidance of the scrutinizing eye of the story. Yet when our own vision is insufficient, and our own will unequal to recalling a sense of goodness, goodness itself still acts on its own behalf. Such is the case for Ebenezer Scrooge, and so it is with Oliver, when Jordan Marley walks into the story.
The reality of Oliver’s character, and the knowledge that he does indeed have a book on his bookshelf that shares the traits outlined above, make us wonder at Oliver’s inability to actually read it. The title is A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, written in 1843. The book was instantly a bestseller, and is popular still today. In Signed, Sealed, Delivered: For Christmas, Oliver says he read the book in high school, and has been wanting to reread it—yet cannot get himself into it. It seems he has become estranged from even “books, and things from the past”—the things he loves. The reality of loss, coupled with the fact that a main character introduced in the film is a Jordan Marley, causes us to take notice. Books frame our thoughts, and often provide a sort of commentary on our lives. Perhaps Oliver is afraid of that. His reticence could translate into his avoidance of the scrutinizing eye of the story. Yet when our own vision is insufficient, and our own will unequal to recalling a sense of goodness, goodness itself still acts on its own behalf. Such is the case for Ebenezer Scrooge, and so it is with Oliver, when Jordan Marley walks into the story.
 | The Visit of Marley 1843. It is Christmas Eve—the occasion for Jacob Marley’s unusual visit to Ebenezer Scrooge. Marley was Scrooge’s old business partner, and he had died, seven years before the story begins. But the opening of Dickens’ story relies on Marley’s mysterious reappearance, in the form of a phantom. He gives Scrooge an important message: “I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate…You will be haunted…by Three Spirits.” Scrooge asks if that is “the chance and hope” Marley alluded to earlier. “It is.” |
During Marley’s visit, we gather a clear idea of why he wishes to speak into Scrooge’s life now, mostly because we hear his regrets from the past. Marley wishes he had seen beyond the walls of the counting house, that he had made mankind his business—not just to profit by them, but to profit them by recognizing their common humanity. By his words Marley hopes to give Scrooge a “chance” to avoid the same regret. Beyond that, Marley wishes to give Scrooge a “hope of escape”—a renewed vision, even unto redemption.
Marley cannot change Scrooge’s mind and heart. His words cannot be any sort of prediction. But in the phantom’s warning is a gift. Though Marley’s words are elusive, they are significant—what they mean in the moment is that Scrooge’s circumstances, though not yet changed, can carry one important thing—the expectation of hope. Hope alludes to goodness and light (which is a far cry from Scrooge’s love of “cheap” darkness). Scrooge needs Marley’s message. By Dickens’ words, he is a “grasping, covetous old sinner.” He does not value people (except in their ability to provide him business); he does not value love (as everyone whom he ever loved is died or lost to him); and he certainly does not value Christmas (“humbug” he calls it).
Marley cannot change Scrooge’s mind and heart. His words cannot be any sort of prediction. But in the phantom’s warning is a gift. Though Marley’s words are elusive, they are significant—what they mean in the moment is that Scrooge’s circumstances, though not yet changed, can carry one important thing—the expectation of hope. Hope alludes to goodness and light (which is a far cry from Scrooge’s love of “cheap” darkness). Scrooge needs Marley’s message. By Dickens’ words, he is a “grasping, covetous old sinner.” He does not value people (except in their ability to provide him business); he does not value love (as everyone whom he ever loved is died or lost to him); and he certainly does not value Christmas (“humbug” he calls it).
 | 2014. It is Christmas Eve—the occasion for Jordan Marley’s visit to the POstables. As coordinator for the Christmas exchange, he is initially “sent…to troubleshoot the Christmas rush.” As the story opens, we know that Jordan Marley is meant to impact the POstables in some way, just from hearing his name. As it turns out, Oliver needs Jordan to step into his story, in the same way that Jacob needed to visit Scrooge. |
This is where a closer following of Dickens’ story is in order, because what followed Jacob Marley’s visit was the beginning of Scrooge’s remembrance of his own story. So it is for Oliver. Jacob Marley’s appearance came as a prelude to the coming of three Spirits. Just as Ebenezer Scrooge was meant to learn lessons intended for his good, lessons drawn from his remembrances of the past, realizations of the present, and action impacting the future—so Oliver is meant to remember, realize, and act. And he is not the only Scrooge in the story.
The First Spirit
1843. The First Spirit that visits Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Past. Dickens remarks that one of the Spirit’s more notable features is that “from the crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light.” At the occasion of Scrooge seeing scenes from his past, and once again entering into the remembrance and the joy of them, “the light upon [the Ghost’s] head burnt very clear.” Yet not everything the Ghost shows Scrooge is happy and merry (though there is that), for along their journey are sad scenes, and many things Scrooge had forgotten. The Ghost shows him again the workings of his heart in valuing money over people—and how he thus despised love. And what comes of those scenes is a revealing of the truth about life and past love that Scrooge cannot deny, or command away. When Scrooge realizes this, and when the reflection on the face of the Ghost was like “fragments of all the faces it had shown him,” Scrooge struggles with the emotion occasioned by his memories. Yet even though he seeks to cover over them by extinguishing the light of the Ghost, “he could not hide the light.”
The First Spirit
1843. The First Spirit that visits Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Past. Dickens remarks that one of the Spirit’s more notable features is that “from the crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light.” At the occasion of Scrooge seeing scenes from his past, and once again entering into the remembrance and the joy of them, “the light upon [the Ghost’s] head burnt very clear.” Yet not everything the Ghost shows Scrooge is happy and merry (though there is that), for along their journey are sad scenes, and many things Scrooge had forgotten. The Ghost shows him again the workings of his heart in valuing money over people—and how he thus despised love. And what comes of those scenes is a revealing of the truth about life and past love that Scrooge cannot deny, or command away. When Scrooge realizes this, and when the reflection on the face of the Ghost was like “fragments of all the faces it had shown him,” Scrooge struggles with the emotion occasioned by his memories. Yet even though he seeks to cover over them by extinguishing the light of the Ghost, “he could not hide the light.”
 | 2014. There is something about Jordan Marley’s presence that enables shut up hearts to speak their stories. Oliver tells him about his wife’s departure and his being alone for Christmas. Shane tells him about questioning God because her dad left them when she was a girl. Their stories are filled with memories of pain, yet there is importance in their being remembered. Sometimes, in wanting to live beyond the past, there is a danger in misunderstanding the present, and that vision affects who we become. Perhaps our awareness of the intention of goodness is wiped away with the consuming nature of pain. Shane herself realizes this when she says to Oliver about the affect of her past hurt—“her heart kind of freezes, and if she’s not careful…She turns into kind of a Scrooge and rejects God and Christmas…” Oliver, knowing Dickens’ story, continues for her—“Goes around saying ‘bah, humbug’?” |
The Second Spirit
After Ebenezer Scrooge has remembered the past, he is ready to consider the present with a clearer vision. He is ready to feel keenly the conditions of his choices: how he has left himself bereft of the affects of love, and how he yet has the power to extend provision and care to others. When Oliver is sharing about his memorable visit to the Postal Museum, Jordan presents a letter needing delivery—suggesting that even in the midst of loneliness and uncertainty, Oliver yet has the power to step forward and provide answers for others. In a similar scene, Shane asks Jordan what it is about him that gives her the freedom to speak about her past, Jordan replies that perhaps she was “ready” to share it.
Jordan presents another letter to the POstables—Hannah’s letter to God—and the aim of both of his letters is similar. Hannah’s letter directs the POstables to Denver Mercy Hospital (another intentional name), where they will watch over someone else’s story. And their journey will include festive attire, lights, and singing…
After Ebenezer Scrooge has remembered the past, he is ready to consider the present with a clearer vision. He is ready to feel keenly the conditions of his choices: how he has left himself bereft of the affects of love, and how he yet has the power to extend provision and care to others. When Oliver is sharing about his memorable visit to the Postal Museum, Jordan presents a letter needing delivery—suggesting that even in the midst of loneliness and uncertainty, Oliver yet has the power to step forward and provide answers for others. In a similar scene, Shane asks Jordan what it is about him that gives her the freedom to speak about her past, Jordan replies that perhaps she was “ready” to share it.
Jordan presents another letter to the POstables—Hannah’s letter to God—and the aim of both of his letters is similar. Hannah’s letter directs the POstables to Denver Mercy Hospital (another intentional name), where they will watch over someone else’s story. And their journey will include festive attire, lights, and singing…
 | 1843. Oh yes, the singing. Dickens does not neglect a description of the sounds of Christmas. Scrooge and the Spirit of Christmas Present rove the streets of London, watching the people hurrying about their business, and observing their gladness of heart even in the midst of the cold. The Ghost carries his own “Christmas spirit” around with him, for he is a giver of goodwill. He blesses even the small meals of the poorest of the people, showing those gifts to be a provision of goodness in the world. And it is in this visit of the Second Spirit that Scrooge receives a sort of mercy. He observes the telling of other people’s stories—and begins to feel interested in noticing them. |
2014. Perhaps now we better understand the importance of this period of realization for Oliver and Shane: Shane—who is so ready to get to her spa, and Oliver, who is extra-wearied with loneliness. They have to look outside of their own stories to understand them better. Oliver begins with a duty—the postal rule stating “All gifts and responses must be delivered by Christmas Eve”—and finds himself deciding to offer his services to others. He stands in the cold so another chap can get a present for his wife. In a rather brief gem of a moment, he is willing to fight for the protection of a lady’s property when it is wrongly stolen from her (this when he does not yet know the lady’s identity, and the lady knows nothing of the wrong). And of course Oliver, along with Shane, fight in another way to bring hope to Hannah’s family. Shane is willing to change her flight so the POstables can organize a pageant. Toward the same purpose, she’s willing to give up her necklace—an important part of her past.
The visit of the Ghost of Christmas Present is very closely followed by the appearance of another Spirit. Perhaps the importance of “now,” and the intent of the Spirit of Christmas Present lies in its ability to re-frame the past with truth, in order to speak most clearly into the future. Loss does not negate the presence of hope, and the opportunity to gift hope to others. This is the intent, function, and even symbolism of the Christmas pageant at Denver Mercy Hospital—organized in spite of health uncertainties, spa plans, and loneliness. It is a picture of Shane and Oliver claiming hope, not only for themselves, but for others.
The visit of the Ghost of Christmas Present is very closely followed by the appearance of another Spirit. Perhaps the importance of “now,” and the intent of the Spirit of Christmas Present lies in its ability to re-frame the past with truth, in order to speak most clearly into the future. Loss does not negate the presence of hope, and the opportunity to gift hope to others. This is the intent, function, and even symbolism of the Christmas pageant at Denver Mercy Hospital—organized in spite of health uncertainties, spa plans, and loneliness. It is a picture of Shane and Oliver claiming hope, not only for themselves, but for others.
 | The Third Spirit 1843. The visit of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come provides a rather grim portrait for Scrooge. He witnesses the aftermath of an unnamed old man’s death, walks the streets of London looking for himself in his usual place (but never finding himself), and searches for tenderness connected with his sadness for the lost and forgotten man. The Ghost finally reveals the truth of these visions: Scrooge himself in the lost, old man. Scrooge is seeing the future as it could be, and is likely to be, if the course of his life is not altered. |
2014. Perhaps Oliver, though never seeing the future as it could be, yet looks into it, when he walks the dark streets of Denver. He has leant his vehicle to his friends, and so we see him making his own way back to the DLO, cold and alone. We see him raise his hand for a taxi, and watch as the lights of the vehicle pass him by. We see him stand before a church’s nativity, remembering the scene the POstables themselves had represented in the pageant; Oliver notices there’s an angel. It would seem that he will be alone for Christmas, and will remember again the loss of his wife, and feel forgotten. But he is not.
“The End of It”
1843. Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning, to light and life. He has Time before him, and his resolution is to “live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!” He has been remembered, and he will remember now too—and act upon it. Dickens provides a wonderful description of this moment, enough to make the reader laugh aloud with Scrooge at the sheer joy of being given another chance. Scrooge says to himself, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy…It’s all right, it’s all true, it all happened.”
“The End of It”
1843. Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning, to light and life. He has Time before him, and his resolution is to “live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!” He has been remembered, and he will remember now too—and act upon it. Dickens provides a wonderful description of this moment, enough to make the reader laugh aloud with Scrooge at the sheer joy of being given another chance. Scrooge says to himself, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy…It’s all right, it’s all true, it all happened.”
 | 2014. Oliver walks into the DLO as if awakening on Christmas morning, to find that he is cared for. The tree in the DLO tells him that, when he opens the door and finds the place filled with light. It is like he is again “a schoolboy,” able to decorate that tree again. And the note from Jordan is as if to say—like Scrooge long before—“It’s all right, it’s all true, it all happened.” And, just as Scrooge celebrated with his family, Oliver’s POstable family returns so that they can all be together for Christmas. |
What better time to remember a story like this than at Christmas?, when the miraculous stepped into the ordinary world as a gift of grace and salvation—and gave the hope of new, eternal life. Real life. Christmas is a time for remembering that the past, brought into the present, allows us to see forward. Perhaps Oliver knew this. Hope was the message Oliver was meant to give to Shane, a gift through his words (like Dickens’ novel was to the world). Sometimes, God knows we need people to represent the message to us. That is a big premise of A Christmas Carol, and that is just what Jordan Marley is for Oliver. As for Scrooge:
He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew…it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!
~Kirsten
He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew…it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!
~Kirsten
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