December 24, 2010
FROM THE ARCHIVES: VICTORIAN VALUES:
I'm Dreaming of a Victorian Christmas: An ageless story reminds us of the values the Victorians can still teach us. (Chris Armstrong, 12/23/2002, Christianity Today)The Christmases of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women still shine forth a bright, good hopefulness in the midst of trying times—a hopefulness made solid in the bond of family and the desire to live well in God's sight. What allows Alcott's story to escape the saccharine orbit of many sentimentalist tales and speak to us in deep ways?Yes, the author's sure narrative touch and vivid characterization. But also this, I think: Alcott knows intimately and presents lovingly truths that were the Victorian era's special treasure.
The foremost of these is the truth we still recall every Christmas season: Every family, whatever its trials and stresses, is a God-given blessing to be treasured and celebrated. Each of us is meant to grow and flourish within a family, becoming all God means us to be. Without family, the way is—not impossible, but harder and colder.
We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. [originally posted: 2002-12-24]
