Perhaps, Scrooge is actually Dickens's alter ego, ending his quest for significance in the story of Christmas. Dickens gives us no reason to believe that Scrooge has ever been dishonest in his business dealings. He is thrifty, disciplined and hard-working. But it seems to me that Dickens is arguing that these virtues are not enough. As Scrooge's early patron, Mr. Fezziwig, demonstrates, moneymaking, generosity and a spirit of goodwill are not only compatible but inextricably linked in a purpose- filled life.
Private charity combines with hard work in Scrooge's personal redemption.
Christmas day becomes a reassuring antidote to the factory jobs and crowded cities of Victorian England. Today, we are far removed from Victorian England. But perhaps that is why we love the story so. We can identify with Scrooge in his miserliness, yet also long for his redemption. The message of Christmas is that God understands our miserly, selfish human condition and provides our redemption through His son, Jesus.