TODAY IN ADVENT-CHRISTMAS HISTORY 169 YEARS AGO............

Today marks the start of the second and final part of the Advent Season, and we begin to prayerfully and liturgically proclaim the ancient, messianic heralding.  'O' Antiphons in the immediate countdown to Christmas this year.  December 17th, is also significant in Advent-Christmas History for another classical literary reason.  Charles Dickens, the most popular author of his day in the 19th Century had his book, "A Christmas Carol", published one hundred and sixty nine years ago today - December 17, 1843.  Having already written and published five books between 1837 - 1841, including the "Pickwick Papers"; "Oliver Twist"; and "Nicholas Nickleby"; Charles Dickens then visited the United States for five months and was greeted as a literary luminary by Americans.  One hundred and sixty nine years ago today' Ebenezer Scrooge', the central character in, "A Christmas Carol", was introduced to readers along with 'Tiny Tim', 'Bob Crachit', and the, 'Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future'; and has become after the, "Nativity Story"; or arguably, "Twas The Night Before Christmas"; the most popular and acclaimed Christmas favorite holiday classic.  Have you read Dickens', "A Christmas Carol " during the holidays before ?  Will you watch it with friends and family as a part of your Christmas celebrations this year ?  It is a wonderful means of experiencing the spirit of self discovery, generosity, and interpersonal meaning, of Christmas.  I enjoy both older and newer film productions of it myself, particularly the 1951 British version starring Alastair Sim; also the 1984 American television production starring George C. Scott; and the 2004 musical presentation with Kelsey Grammer.  Wipe away the "bah humbug" of consumerism and stress, and tap into the enjoyable seasonal entertainment of what began on This Day in Literary History 1843.  Videos of various renditions from the 1930's through the past decade, can be found for starters, on You Tube...........Fr.  Troy