1. Galadriel says:

    Considering all the adaptations of A Christmas Carol, this is definately an interesting point. Even though I’ve seen the advent wreath, I never knew that each candle has a meaning, which makes it much  more interesting.

    • Fred Warren says:

      We’ve renewed our family tradition of incorporating the Advent wreath into our Christmas devotions this year, and I keep running into reminders of it wherever I turn.

      There are so many layers to the symbolism–for example, I was never really clear on the reason the third candle is usually pink, but discovered this year that it marks the transition from self-assessment and repentance in preparation for the coming of the King (traditionally symbolized by the color purple) to joy and celebration as Jesus’ birth approaches.

  2. Fred, this is a lovely “lesson” showing why Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is so ageless. I clicked over here because of the Muppet version being my personal favorite, and I think that’s because, while taking some obvious “dramatic license”, it’s very true to Mr. Dickens’ intent and spirit and has a LOT more direct quotes from Dickens than any other “children’s” version I know of. Before the Muppets, I found this tale either silly (Mickey Mouse et al) or too dark and depressing (just about every other live action dramatic version) even when it got to the end. Michael Caine is the first actor to make me see Scrooge as sympathetic and pitiful, someone I could RELATE to instead of hate and write off. That makes the story PERSONAL and oh so much more meaningful. I have this movie on DVD and I watch it at least once every Christmas season.  I find myself singing the songs from this movie as much as any traditional carols. And Belle’s song literally brings tears to my eyes every doggoned time I watch it. Thanks for the post.

    • Fred Warren says:

      They really did a masterful job of capturing the story on screen, making it accessible and entertaining for viewers of all ages. As you noted, they respected the original text and its wonderful language, and they harmonized the Muppet humor with Dickens’ wry tone.

      And I agree the casting was perfect, humans and Muppets alike.

      My favorite non-Dickens line, from the Marley brothers: “Leave comedy to the bears, Ebenezer!”

  3. Maria Tatham says:

    Well done, Fred! God bless us, everyone–yes! 

    You deserve a gift–sorry that it’s not the best!

      
    There once was a man named Fred,
    who had a store of good stuff in his head, 
    all these truths he never forgot,
    but mulled over them quite a lot. 

      
      
      

       

  4. Maria Tatham says:

    Glad you like it!
    Maria

  5. Jeremy McNabb says:

    I read A Christmas Carol again this Christmas while working on a homage to it. Until then, I hadn’t realized how well the Muppets had captured it. The Disney version made Scrooge’s nephew out to be an idiot, when Dickens had obviously intended him to be the benevolent equal to Scrooge–intelligent, but generous.

    I really loved the parallel to advent that you pulled out of this. Thanks so much for taking the time to share it. 

  6. The Muppets’ Christmas Carol is indeed amazing!  It’s one of my favorite Christmas movies, and one of my favorite quotes originates from it (“I am here for the food!”).  🙂  Interesting how you can go through it like an Advent wreath…

  7. Fred, thanks for walking us through the story.  For a number of years, I made A Christmas Carol, in some version or other, part of my Christmas tradition. Your delightful recap paralleling the Advent season reminds me why. You vividly brought back the scenes from the story. Thanks so much.

     

    Becky

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