Read the following description of the Ghost of Christmas Present. I believe this text is public domain, so we’re good with quoting it like this.
"[The Ghost of Christmas Present] was clothed in one simple green robe, or mantle, bordered with white fur. This garment hung so loosely on the figure, that its capacious breast was bare, as if disdaining to be warded or concealed by any artifice. Its feet, observable beneath the ample folds of the garment, were also bare; and on its head it wore no other covering than a holly wreath, set here and there with shining icicles. Its dark brown curls were long and free; free as its genial face, its sparkling eye, its open hand, its cheery voice, its unconstrained demeanour, and its joyful air. Girded round its middle was an antique scabbard; but no sword was in it, and the ancient sheath was eaten up with rust. "
What is the significance of the empty, rusty scabbard? Does that mean something?
The rusty scabbard indicates a lack of oil or polish. Normally a soldier spends a lot of time on his uniform and equipment. It’s vital that the metal is protected. In this case, the empty scabbard is unused & unneeded. There’s no reason to keep it in good condition.
Missing sword – obviously it’s been thrown away. A rejection of war.
Eighteen hundred and fifty years old, you get to be a little forgetful. My guess is that last summer He was using the sword to clear some brush on the Heavenly Compound, and He inadvertently left it in the tool shed. Getting ready for the gig with Unca Scrooge, He realizes he can only find the scabbard. A Frantic Search of His Quarters ensues, while the clock ticks inexorably down.
At the stroke of Twelve, Christmas Past strolls in, takes off His cap, and runs His fingers through His sweaty hair. “You’re on, Big Guy,” He says to Christmas Present. “Time to hit the ground with what you’ve got. Don’t worry, it’s a very busy set, and it’s not like you ever draw the thing. I’m sure no one will notice.”
If you’re referring to the footnote to the sword and scabbard sentence, it does no such thing. It does mention the “Prince of Peace”, which is where I got the reference.
And it couldn’t be Christ, anyway. There are over 1800 GoCPrs but only one Christ (according to Christians).
“[The Ghost of Christmas Present] was clothed in one simple green robe, or mantle, bordered with white fur. This garment hung so loosely on the figure, that its capacious breast was bare, as if disdaining to be warded or concealed by any artifice. Its feet, observable beneath the ample folds of the garment, were also bare; and on its head it wore no other covering than a holly wreath, set here and there with shining icicles. Its dark brown curls were long and free; free as its genial face, its sparkling eye, its open hand, its cheery voice, its unconstrained demeanour, and its joyful air. Girded round its middle was an antique scabbard; but no sword was in it, and the ancient sheath was eaten up with rust. Above this were two bandoliers filled with bullets and over its shoulder was strapped a large gun - a formidable Maxim of the type recently used to such great effect in the repression of the Pathan rebels.”
The editors decided to take out the topical reference in subsequent editions.
