Good King Winceslas/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Chris Caswell & Friends
Scrooge is not sure how long he had been asleep; in many ways, it felt like it had been hours. But as the grandfather clock bellows its single chime, Scrooge bolts from his bed with a jump as if he had just laid down. He glances from side to side, breathing hard. There is no brilliant light, no clanks of heavy chains. Was everything he had just seen and experienced all a dream?
A loud thump reminds him of the second ghost that was set to come to him. He opens his bed curtains and glances cautiously around. Another thump directs his attention to the door. Scoffing a little, he gets out of bed and scuffles across the room in his slippers.
He unlatches and opens his door, looking out into the hallway. He hears a joyful laugh soar from Vance’s former quarters. He timidly steps inside, and he is immediately thrown into shock.
MIOKO
It was Vance’s room; there was no doubt about that. But it had undergone a surprising transformation... The walls and ceiling were so hung with living green, that it looked a perfect grove; from every part of which, bright gleaming berries glistened. The crisp leaves of holly, mistletoe, and ivy reflected back the light, as if so many little mirrors had been scattered there; and such a mighty blaze went roaring up the chimney...
Mioko smiles as he watches Scrooge gaze at the grand display from the doorway. But when the laughter is heard again, Scrooge turns his attention forward. Standing in the back of the room is a young man in a long red coat trimmed with white furs and a sprig of holly in a red velvet hat. He seemed a giant in size, standing at full height and scarcely fitting beneath the ceiling.
ACE / GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Come in, and know me better, man!
Scrooge looks around nervously, as if looking for whom the ghost had been talking to.
ACE
Yes, you! I’m not here for the narrator!
SCROOGE
The who?
Mioko covers his mouth and dips out of sight as the spirit laughs and waves a hand.
ACE
Don’t just stand there, come in! I am the Ghost of Christmas Present!
SCROOGE
I’m sorry, it’s just—I’ve not seen anyone so very...
The ghost chuckles and steps up to Scrooge as a much shorter young man. Scrooge now looks down at the jolly fellow, tilting his head a bit.
SCROOGE
...Short and unobtrusive...
ACE
Nonsense! I am the Ghost of Christmas Present!
SCROOGE
Yep, you’ve said that.
ACE
I have? Then it looks as if you know me better than I thought!
SCROOGE
You know, compared to the last spirit, you’re quite... peculiar.
ACE
I simply prefer to live in the moment—or the present day, if you will. And today, that day is Christmas Day!
As the spirit excitedly throws his hands in the air, Scrooge clears his throat, offers a short sigh, and stands straight.
SCROOGE
Well then, Spirit, I know why you are here. Conduct me as you will and be done with it.
ACE
Oh, ho, ho—it is not quite that simple, Mister Edwards...
The spirit laughs, patting Scrooge’s back despite the man’s look of increased annoyance.
ACE
Come along! And we shall see this new Christmas Morning!
At once, all that was in the room vanishes; and the room vanishes too. They now stand in the center of town in the warm light of a snow-covered Christmas morning. Carolers sing on the street corner nearby. A little boy runs happily through the streets with a new toy whistle as his parents walk behind hand in hand. Beside them, the butcher shop window displays a marvelous Christmas turkey just waiting for a buyer to claim it for a feast.
MIOKO
Despite the chilly climate, there was an air of cheerfulness abroad that the clearest summer air and brightest summer sun might have endeavored to diffuse in vain.
ACE
Ah, this is what I live for! Listen to the carolers! Listen to the laughter! Feel the cold air and the warmth that flows from the heart...
The spirit spins on his heels and spreads his arms out wide. As Scrooge remains motionless, he watches the spirit dart to and fro through the square: tossing snow into the air, joining in with one of the caroling groups, and dancing through the slushy streets. None of the people can see him, but the pureness of his joy seems to rub off of on each being he comes near.
SCROOGE
What are you doing?
ACE
Spreading the Christmas Spirit! Because that’s what I am—a Christmas Spirit! Get it?
SCROOGE
Uh huh...
ACE
Oh, what a Merry Christmas! Or should I say, “Bah, humbug!”
Scrooge does not speak as the young spirit smirks at him. He only bites his lip and attempts to hold his tongue.
ACE
Sorry, sir, I had to.
SCROOGE
All right, if we’re going to start mocking, here’s one for you!
Scrooge’s hands were clenched at his sides as the spirit looked on curiously.
SCROOGE
If you’re Mister Christmas Spirit, why do so many in your name take advantage of others, hm? Why do people use the spirit to deceive, or to guilt? Why do so many raise funds for the poor but end up keeping it for themselves?
The spirit, at first taken aback, soon nods in humble understanding.
ACE
There are some upon this earth of yours who claim to know me, and who do their deeds of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry, and selfishness in my name. But these things are not from me; these things are not under my control. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not me. Now... let’s continue on; we have much to see and not much time.
With a softer tone of voice, the spirit takes Scrooge by the elbow and leads him down one of the snow-covered streets. They walk for a short distance, then the spirit stops just outside the door to a small flat. He nods to Mioko, standing quietly nearby. Scrooge glances around, but sees no one.
SCROOGE
Spirit, why do you bring us to this poor neighborhood?
ACE
They still celebrate Christmas here, you know!
Before another word is spoken, a young woman with dusty blond hair pulled back into a bundle of waves emerges from the home. She cannot see Scrooge or the spirit, but seems to be looking for someone regardless.
SCROOGE
Spirit, who is this? Whose house is this?
ACE
This is the home of your clerk, James Harley! And that is his wife, Elise.
MIOKO
Mrs. Harley was dressed poorly in a twice-turned gown, but brave in ribbons, which are cheap and make a goodly show for a sixpence. She was busily preparing the table for their humble Christmas feast.
ELISE
Goodness, what is keeping them? Although, I suppose they were late coming home last Christmas too.
Mrs. Harley turns and goes inside, closing the door to block the cold. The spirit smiles and steps up to the frosty window to look inside. Scrooge shrugs and does the same. As he presses his hands against the glass, he squints to make out the scene within.
SCROOGE
Why, there is scarcely any food there!
ACE
They’re a poor family, you know. They cannot afford the feast of a rich man on Mr. Harley’s meager salary. I wonder if someone could get him a raise or something...
Scrooge shoots a glance at the spirit, who continues to smile nonchalantly as he gazes in the window. Scrooge turns away just as he hears a man singing from the street behind them. He watches as his weathered employee dances into view, hopping down the street with a young child on his shoulders.
JAMES
Who comes this night, this wintry night,
As to the lowly manger?
The shepherds and the kings did come
To welcome in the stranger!
ACE
Oh, I love this song!
At once, the spirit races to James’ side and joins in the song.
JAMES & ACE
Who sends this song upon the air
To ease the soul that's aching?
To still the cry of deep despair,
And heal the heart that's breaking!
The young child laughs as she bounces with each step, hugging James’ head with one tiny hand. As the ghosts skips ahead to rejoin Scrooge, the man notices that the young girl carries a wooden crutch in her other hand.
SCROOGE
Spirit... does he have a daughter? Why does she carry a crutch?
The ghost glances at him.
ACE
You seriously don’t know your own employee has a kid?
SCROOGE
I mean—it’s not like—I don’t really ask... ugh!
Scrooge embarrassedly huffs and weakly shoves the ghost aside as James and the child approach.
JAMES
Who comes this night, with humble heart,
To give the fullest measure?
A gift of purest love to bring,
What good and worthy treasure!
AVA
Daddy, we’re home!
JAMES
Th—that we are, Ava!
ACE
Watch and listen, boss, and you may learn a few things.
James gives a light knock on the door, and he opens it with a cheerful greeting. He sets Ava down carefully in the doorway, and Elise helps the girl to her seat at the table. She wobbles on her crutch and tiny legs and makes it all on her own, though her mother’s sturdy hands were never far behind just in case. James holds her chair, and once she is seated, he pushes her gently up to the table.
The spirit nudges Scrooge’s arm, with a wave of his hand, begs Scrooge to follow him inside through the window. Scrooge half-expects to run straight into the glass, but they pass through seamlessly. The home is warm with a fire crackling in the fireplace near the table. Father and daughter sit at the table as Mrs. Harley finishes preparing their roasted chicken. She glances over her shoulder with a smile as warm as the oven behind her.
ELISE
And how did little Ava behave today?
AVA
I was perfect!
ELISE
Of course you were, dear—I was asking your father for his opinion.
JAMES
As good as gold—and better. You know, she told me coming home that she hoped everyone saw her at church this morning... that since she struggles to walk, she hoped they would remember that the one who came on Christmas Day made the lame walk and the blind see...
Ava smiles proudly, folding her tiny hands on the table. Elise’s fingers clasp against her lips.
ELISE
Oh, my loves...
She rushes to embrace her husband and her daughter, taking them both around each arm, lovingly, yet sadly. James then stands to help his wife carry the small, yet perfectly cooked, chicken to the table, and once they are all seated, they say a blessing over their meal. James then takes his cup of tea and raises it.
JAMES
M-M—Mister Scrooge!
Scrooge jumps, startling the ghost at his side.
SCROOGE
Yes! What is it?
JAMES
Here’s to Mister Scrooge, th-the founder of the feast!
Elise’s brows furrow.
ELISE
“Founder of the feast?” I wish I had him here; I’d give him a piece of my mind to feast upon!
JAMES
Elise...
ELISE
But to drink to a man as stingy and unfeeling as Mister Scrooge... You have worked there so long and have so little to show for it!
JAMES
I—I must be grateful for what I have.
ELISE
I understand that, but we both know your loyalty means nothing in his eyes!
AVA
To Mister Scrooge! Founder of the feast!
Ava proudly holds her tiny water cup in the air, as high as she could raise it. Stunned by this sudden outburst, all in the room were silent—including Scrooge himself. Finally, with an embarrassed look on her face, the matron nods and raises her glass.
ELISE
To Mister Scrooge, then.
JAMES
And a Merry Christmas to us all. God bless us!
AVA
God bless us, every one!
The family clinks their glasses together, and they begin their humble feast.
Scrooge feels a heaviness in his soul as he watches the scene. His brings a clenched fist to his chest as if to quell the aching within it.
SCROOGE
Spirit, tell me... will Ava live?
ACE
Remember when I said I’m the Ghost of Christmas Present? If it doesn’t happen today, I won’t be able to answer that.
SCROOGE
Oh. Right.
ACE
And we’re not quite done with today...
Instantly the scene fades away, and a new scene arises. Startled, Scrooge now stands upon the woolen rug of a warm sitting room, modestly decorated to show its residents were a fair amount richer than the Harleys were.
MIOKO
It was a great surprise to Scrooge to hear a hearty laugh. It was a much greater surprise to Scrooge to recognize it as his own nephew's, with the Spirit standing smiling by his side, and looking at that same nephew with approving affability. Scrooge's niece, by marriage, laughed as heartily as he. And their assembled friends joined in merrily.
AMADEUS
And he said that Christmas was a humbug! A HUMBUG!
CLARA
Oh dear; surely he didn’t mean it!
AMADEUS
Ah, but he did, the poor fellow.
CLARA
At least he is rich... that seems to be all he cares of!
AMADEUS
Oh no, his wealth is no good to him. He doesn’t know what to do with it! I know I could give him a few ideas... hah!
CLARA
I wouldn’t hold your breath!
The young men and women laugh again at the words. Scrooge is unmoved, an increasingly concerned look on his face.
AMADEUS
Laughter aside, I truly am sorry for him. I couldn't be angry with him if I tried. Who suffers because of his attitude? Himself—always. Like today: he won't come and dine with us. What's the consequence?
CLARA
He loses a fine dinner!
AMADEUS
Absolutely! But still... a toast the old man. He wouldn’t take it from me, but may he have a Merry Christmas! To my dear Uncle Scrooge!
CLARA & FRIENDS
To Uncle Scrooge!
Wincing, Scrooge turns away from the scene quickly, almost running into the spirit in the process. He even more quickly stops short and backs away. The spirit’s once brown hair is now gray, and his once vibrant green eyes are dull and growing cold. The joyful scene fades around them, and they appear in a snowy field. A graveyard stands nearby.
SCROOGE
Do you... age, Spirit?
The spirit’s once jovial manner is subdued into a weak smile.
ACE
I do.
SCROOGE
Are spirits’ lives so short?
ACE
My life upon this earth is brief. It ends tonight at midnight.
SCROOGE
Tonight? But, Spirit... I have so many questions!
ACE
Ask away.
Scrooge bites his lip, wavering on the edge of memories, thoughts, and the knowledge of all he had seen.
SCROOGE
Little Ava... James’ daughter... please—please tell me she lives!
The spirit shakes his head and looks off towards the gravestones.
ACE
My realm is only the present. But if things do not change, I fear the one who comes after me will see a vacant chair by the table, and a crutch without an owner...
SCROOGE
Oh—Spirit, no! There is such love—such acceptance and innocence in that young child...
ACE
If these shadows remain unaltered, the child will die...
He glances at Scrooge’s face, wrenched with sorrowfully pained expression. With a haughty tone in his voice, he places his hands on his hips.
ACE
But if she’s going to die, then let her! There’s too many people around here anyway!!
Scrooge hangs his head at the spirit’s words, knowing full well they were his own. He is overcome by grief and falls to his knees.
At once, the bell from the graveyard church begins to ring out. The painful dirge of singular gongs continues, one slowly after the other, as they signal the coming of midnight. Fear in his eyes, Scrooge takes hold of the spirit’s velvet coat.
SCROOGE
Spirit, please, do not leave me!
ACE
Listen to me one last time... You have seen the shadows of things that were, and I have shown you the shadows of what is now. Remember what you’ve seen when you view the shadows of things to come. Take heed... and you may have a hand in changing what will be...
SCROOGE
Oh, I will! I have seen James and Elise and Ava, and my nephew Amadeus and his wife Clara. I have heard my own words and seen their error—but please, do not leave me!
But as the tenth chime bellows, the spirit looks down at Scrooge on his knees, clutching to his cloak as it begins to tatter and fade away.
SCROOGE
Spirit, I fear the one who comes after you—I fear his coming worst of all!
The eleventh chime comes, and the spirit closes his eyes. He speaks weakly, but with a warm smile.
ACE
Then, go forth... and know him better, man...
The twelfth chime strikes Scrooge as if his heart had been the bell, and with the remnants of a youthful laughter in the cold wind, the spirit fades from sight.
--
Song lyrics taken from Who Comes This Night by James Taylor & Dave Grusin