THE ghost FILES KARINA MACHADO
Karina Machado is a journalist, host of the
Spirit Sisters podcast and the author of Spirit Sisters, Where Spirits Dwell and Love Never Dies, a non-fiction series exploring the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people. Now, on The Ghost Files podcast each week, Karina will introduce a guest who’ll share their personal encounter with the spirit world.
THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS
In Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits who have profound lessons to teach the cranky miser who is “hard and sharp as flint”. In days gone by, and maybe sometimes still, Dickens’ story would be one of those read in hushed tones around the fireside in places where snow falls throughout the festive season.
In Australia, where the weather at “the most wonderful time of the year” does not encourage cosy gatherings by the hearth, the tradition of sharing ghost stories at Christmas time has never really caught on – which is a shame, because we have a lot to gain from drawing close to exchange stories that remind us of our connection to something greater than ourselves, especially at a time of year that can amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation for so many.
Ghost stories have a lot to teach us, I’ve learnt over the years from speaking to so many people who’ve shared their experiences with me, and in the case of A Christmas Carol, even the fictional ones. Scrooge’s redemption following his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, reminds me of a key aspect of the near-death experience: the life review. This is where near-death experiencers once again see – and feel – how they’ve behaved towards others, and witness the ripple effects of their words and choices. They are then transformed, like Scrooge, by the understanding of what really matters.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to wait until we were near death to realise that love is the true currency of life? Scrooge woke up to that, so there’s hope for us all. I wish you and your families a safe, happy and loving festive season.