Love Life

In my favorite musical rendition of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Albert Finney plays Ebenezer Scrooge. One of the best moments in the film comes when Scrooge drinks the milk of human kindness proffered by the Ghost of Christmas Past. Scrooge becomes drunk and giddily begins to sing, “I like life. Life likes me. I like feeling the way I’m feeling.” Before Scrooge’s “conversion,” his life is filled with selfishness, greed, and self-pity. Post-ghost encounters, his life is filled with a love for others and selfless acts of kindness.

The changes wrought in Dickens’ most well-known character reveal a great spiritual truth: in order to love life, you have to have a life of love. Jesus taught it’s not enough to love your friends and family. He insisted we love everyone, regardless of their social status, ability, influence, or even their enmity toward us. Speaking of love was not sufficient for Jesus; His actions demonstrated His love. He fed the hungry, He healed the sick, He comforted the broken-hearted, He encouraged the widow. Ultimately, He carried the cross to Calvary.

Unlike the cup from which Scrooge drank, Jesus drank from the bitter cup of persecution, torture and death. But even as the shadow of the cross loomed across His life, He still took time to celebrate the Passover and to care for His disciples. Jesus’ life of love testified to His love of life. During His earthly ministry, He attended weddings, played with children, and enjoyed feasts with His friends. After His resurrection, He even cooked breakfast on the beach for His disciples. Jesus taught through both His words and His deeds how to enjoy life and celebrate even ordinary moments. And He did all this so that we might enjoy your lives. L’chaim!