In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol the hesitant and barely chastened Scrooge, confronting the phantom that was his partner in life, tries to console the guilty and agonized ghost (and himself) with a feeble word of encouragement, “But you were always a good man of business, Jacob.” Immediately, the specter roars out with terrible force, “Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.”

I will never forget the first time I saw A Christmas Carol portrayed in film. While there has been numerous renditions of this beloved tale, I always cherish the black and white version staring Alastair Sim. The shadowy images, low-tech effects, and the incredible conversion scene win my heart every time. But what about my hands and feet? What will I do with this message?

The Hammonton Area Ministerium has partnered together each October for the last several years to participate in an event called, “Crop Walk.” This is a fund raising effort for the poor and needy. Participants walk a ten kilometer route as a way to identify with those who must make such a trek for their daily livelihood. This last year seven Hammonton area churches participated and raised over $2,500 for needs abroad and here at home. The Ministerium uses a part of these donations to fund local food pantries and provide emergency assistance to those in our own town. The remainder of donations go toward relief efforts around the world.

In our small way we are making mankind our business. It won’t solve the world’s problems, and we can do so much more. But like Scrooge, after seeing the darkness and futility of selfishness, we can take small, but sure, steps towards love. This holiday season, let’s all make mankind our business.