While sitting back stage helping my daughter with her costume changes on the set of Scrooge our local theatre is putting on I was in awe of how much talent there is in the world. Even in our local community theater.
I have always been touched by the story of Scrooge. Since it’s beginning there has been hundreds of versions. Each time it comes down to a heart change and gratitude. There is a greedy miser who has everything the world could want in monetary means, and still not be content.
Why? Because his heart isn’t open to love and change.
How does that happen? Life tends to harden our heart if we aren’t careful.
Throughout this beautiful musical you can see the stages of his heart breaking open again.
The first scene the townsfolk are afraid of him. He is a miserable miser. When they sing “Father Christmas” they are describing a stingy old skinflint (whatever that means).
Then he is visited by his old partner Jacob Marley who tells him he will be visited by 3 spirits. The first spirit took him on a journey to his past. How he was mistreated by his father as a kid and the beautiful woman he was pledged to marry but he chose money and power instead of love and it broke her heart.
When he saw his past mistakes his heart started to soften.
Then the second spirit Christmas Present showed him how much he was missing with his nephew and all the people he could help that were right in front of him. He just had to choose to be charitable and not greedy. I don’t think we ever realize how many people are affected by either our kind or unkind actions. It’s a ripple effect.
Then Christmas future… Death!
In some of the last scenes of the play he decided to change his old ways and have a heart change.
Then the whole cast sings “Thank you very much” as they are touched by his generosity and kindness.
What the whole musical comes down to is having an open, grateful heart.
Thank you very much! Just saying those words invokes a spirit of gratitude.
Thank you God for music, creativity, children, love, Christmas and sending your son. That is the ultimate gift. Thank you very much!
Sugar cookie
Preheat oven to 350*
INGREDIENTS
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 sticks butter (softened)
- 1 cup butter crisco
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl add all ingredients and mix well, beat about 1 minute.
Lay out a large piece of Saran Wrap put mixture on top and form a ball by wrapping plastic around it.
Put in fridge for 1 hour to chill.
Roll out dough into shapes
Place on a baking sheet (greased) and bake for 10-12 minutes
When finished place on wax paper to cool.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
Recipe courtesy of Gigi Butler Copyright 2024 Heartland Journal, LLC
