This time of year our family loves to watch Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". We watch it in all the many versions that have been made over the years. I think my favorite version is the one with Allastair Simms as Scrooge but I become equally engrossed at Patrick Stewart's performance as well as George C Scott and even Jim Carey in the recent Disney production.

I love the time period. The Victorian carolers and the pealing of church bells bring about a nostalgic feeling for me. When the Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back to his childhood I can't help but think what it might be like to visit my own. Of course mine was much different from that of Scrooge. The Ghost of Christmas Present helps me to think of this year's Christmas and of course the Ghost of Christmas Future reminds me we are all mortal and face the same fate of departing this world one day. I believe we continue on after death. I believe Jesus Christ is my savior and I am comforted in this knowledge.

I love to see Scrooge's transformation in the end. The miserable man who has been given the great gift of a chance at redemption. He slowly comes around and ends up seizing it with all his heart. I never tire of watching this Christmas miracle time and again. Merry Christmas!