I have read the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus many, many times. And, I have never seen the similarities it holds with Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” It is a fairly common trope, though. There’s “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” whose heart grew three sizes. And, of course, “It’s a Wonderful Life” where George Bailey has an “Ah ha!” moment. Besides the obvious change of direction that they had, there seems to be another connection between these. In all of them there were relationships with others that were both amended and the cause of that amendment. I’m not gonna do all of the heavy lifting for you. Take a minute and think about it. Zacchaeus and the people that he had wronged; The Grinch and joy of all those Whos in Whoville; George and his family and friends. And, of course, Scrooge and Tiny Tim. None of these individuals could be separated from others. No matter how much they tried or wanted to be. Sorry, Paul Simon, no one can be an Island. Gee…I guess you do learn something new every day!
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