Charles Dickens: The Christmas Carol

Nine sessions lead fifth and sixth graders through "The Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, comparing it to Christian life and the teachings of Jesus. Scrooge represents those who have shut God out of their lives -- those who are out of touch with God's purposes. Scrooge's nephew and Bob Cratchit are poor but accpet the gift of love from God and share it with others -- they do not let their meager circumstances defeat them.

The entire text is provided for students to read aloud. The lessons link the Dickens reading with the story of the birth of Christ. This series can be started in Advent and continued through Epiphany or used as a winter VBS the week after Christmas. It encourages classes to adopt mission project that allows them to actively participate in serving those in need.