Prompt 44: December 2, 2024
The Prompt
This story is about reinvigorating the Christmas spirit. I hope you will take to heart the living traditions that we get to participate in and enjoy the comfort and truth they embody. If you don’t care to enjoy the traditions, hopefully you’ll heed the author’s warning.
I HAVE endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.
Their faithful Friend and Servant,
C. D.
December, 1843.
Context
Not many topics can capture the essence of Ode To Culture like Charles Dickens’ story of A Christmas Carol. I have heard the book called “the fifth gospel” for its pointed message at salvation and redemption, but I hope to glean more from it this month through our discussions. Ode To Culture has continued to be an exploration into the Christian traditions that have permeated our culture. I believe this is the work of building the kingdom of God, that the Church grows the stories and traditions to embody the lessons, morals, and virtues we are prone to neglect.