A Story of Ebenezer
(Not the one called "Scrooge")
What stories do you recall or recite each Christmas?
One of my annual favorites is the beloved novel, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Like many, I love this timeless tale in all of its presented forms: the original novel and its many film and stage adaptations. Every holiday season, my family watches Mickey’s A Christmas Carol, the musical Scrooge, and I enjoy one of my favorite Christmas reads: Mr. Dicken’s and His Carol by Samantha Silva (if you enjoy Dickens and historical fiction – read it!!). Regardless of format, A Christmas Carol centers around a stingy, miser called Ebenezer Scrooge. His name “Ebenezer” is unique in today’s modern culture which causes us to believe the word only exists as the famous character’s moniker. However, the original publication of this word was actually introduced thousands of years ago.
What do you hang on your Christmas tree? Do you have matching ornaments from Hobby Lobby, or do you prefer a random assortment of articles collected over time? While I truly appreciate a gorgeous “themed” tree, I cannot bring myself to transition to one (though they really are much more aesthetically appealing). My “basic, old-fashioned” tree is put up and taken down every year without much fanfare. I don’t post pictures of it on social media. It is not “Pinterest-worthy” or even notable to the outside eye. But to us, it is invaluable.
To us, every ornament tells a story. From finger-painted popsicle sticks to traveling souvenirs, every decoration is connected to a memory. Decorating the tree is not just a holiday ritual, it is an evening spent sharing stories. As we unwrap each individual ornament, we call out to one another: “Oh, remember when we…” or “Do you remember when we got this one?” or possibly my favorite, “Addy, do you remember when you made this one?” (mom sigh…).
Memory after memory we recite our rich history. Some recollections are from our small little family of three, and others go back generations. My husband recalls precious moments spent with his grandma who left us over twenty years ago as he hangs a collection of ornaments she gifted him, one year at a time, each Christmas during his upbringing. I inherited the majority of my childhood decorations when my mom transitioned to a “themed tree.” As I place each item from this unexpected assortment on the tree, it allows me to reminisce, and in some ways honor, the many Christmases spent sharing this same tradition with my parents and brothers growing up.
Though mismatched and worn, our “plain-Jane” Christmas tree communicates a rich history. Individually, each relic may appear meaningless or even unattractive (let’s be real – some of these old ornaments are just ugly…), but when placed side-by-side they create a masterpiece. A memoir of family – of life lived.
It is important to recall the treasured moments of our time here on Earth. It is so easy to forget the good when the hard presses in or when our relational narratives feel more like a mess than a masterpiece. But the “bad” rarely outweighs the good if we just take the time to step back and see the bigger picture. With a broader view comes a clearer perspective. We can see the forest through the trees and the path we have traveled thus far. We can also recognize there have been distinct moments, marker points along our journeys, that map out the many blessings we have received along the way.
When you look back through the Old Testament you can see, that God is big on “memorials.” Throughout the historical books, God’s people set up altars, monuments, and marker stones. Each time one of these memorials was erected, it was meant to serve as a reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness. Just like the Israelites of old, our hearts are fickle. Our vision can easily be clouded by difficulty and our memory of God’s proven goodness in our lives can be overshadowed. But these monuments help us call to remembrance the truth of who He is and how He cares for His children.
My favorite example of this in scripture comes from 1 Samuel chapter seven after God orchestrates a miraculous defeat of the Philistines in a battle against Israel.
“While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites…
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 1 Sam. 7:10-12 (NIV)
The Hebrew word for ebenezer is translated as “stone of help.” Samuel erected this memorial to remind the Israelites of God’s nearness and provision during a time when it appeared all was lost. Can you recall moments when your Heavenly Father supernaturally met your needs? Perhaps you have been blessed by acts of kindness through friends, family members, or even strangers. Maybe there have been times when you received a peace that surpasses all understanding. Like individual chapters in a book, when strung together, these moments of help, tell a story of God’s love and care for you.
I first encountered the term “ebenezer” while singing the famous hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing and have held it close to my heart for over two decades now. There are pivotal points in each of our lives that exemplify God’s blessing and provision at work. He has gifted us with good. He has gifted us with love.
This Christmas season, let’s raise our ebenezers and give thanks for the greatest gift of all – the gift of Jesus.
What ebenezers memorialize your own journey? No matter what you have been through, or where you currently find yourself, I pray this Christmas season, you can recognize the collection of ornaments that adorn your story.
Share your ebenezer story! Let’s celebrate this Christmas by recalling the treasured ornaments of our lives.
I hope you will continue to join me as we celebrate the power of story together. Click on the links below to subscribe or share.
Every part of this resonated. The homemade Christmas tree (we always had a wonderfully-mismatched, beautifully-ours tree growing up), the love of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (we watch the old version every Christmas Eve and I cry every time), and most of all the lesson to stop and celebrate — whatever that looks like. Thank you for writing this! May it be ever as applicable in February as it is in December.
I read A Christmas Carol every Christmas Eve, and I always did wonder about Scrooge’s interesting name, but never troubled myself to look it up. Thank you! This post was fascinating!