Welcome to this bedtime story, A Christmas Carol, adapted from Charles Dickens' classic novel.

As we prepare to hear this story of redemption and generosity, get comfortable.

Let your head sink into the pillow.

Stretch out your arms and legs.

Take slow, deep breaths and let your muscles relax enjoy the sensation of your body resting and

recovering after a long day close your eyes and meditate on the peace of God remember sleep is a gift from God

Psalm 4 8 tells us in peace I will both lie down and sleep. For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Accept God's gift of sleep and his peace as we listen to a Christmas story that reflects many lessons God teaches us

in scripture. A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843, telling the fictitious story of a greedy London businessman named Ebenezer Scrooge.

He was so selfish that he refused to give his workers enough coal to stay warm during the bitter cold winters.

He was so selfish that he refused to donate money

to a fundraiser for the poor. He was so selfish, in fact, that he hated Christmas. It was, after all, a holiday filled with cheer and generosity, things he despised.

Scrooge lived only for himself. His perspective changed when three spirits visited him at night and let him see his past

his present and his future join with me as I pray heavenly father thank you for loving us thank you for being the

perfect model of generosity compassion and forgiveness your love for us never ends we are in awe of you I ask that

you help this child of God rest in your presence soothe their aching muscles calm their mind grant them peace as they release

their troubles to you give them tranquil dreams and christ-centred thoughts.

It's in Jesus' name that I pray.

Amen.

As we begin this bedtime story, it is three in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. But while many of London citizens are preparing for a feast with their families, Ebenezer Scrooge and his clerk are at work in Scrooge's

business. It is cold, bleak and foggy outside. Candles are flaring in the windows of the

neighbouring offices like ruddy smears upon the palpable brown air. Scrooge has a fire, but the

...