As the clock tolled one, the first of the three spirits who Jacob Marley warned would visit Ebenezer Scrooge made their appearance in the miser’s dark bed chamber. The room was suddenly filled with a brilliant light, and Scrooge looked curiously upon the unearthly visitor who stood before him.

“Who, and what are you?” Scrooge demanded.

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Past,” came the reply.