And the Grinch raised his glass and led the Who’s in a toast, “To kindness and love, the things we need most!”
the Grinch *2018
Maybe Christmas is a Little Bit More
Every year in elementary school before our Christmas break they would roll a tv that was strapped to the top of a cart into our classroom and connect it to the small cable box in the corner of the room. We would watch that little square box that was strapped on that stand- intently. We watched Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and my favorite, Santa Clause is Comin’ to Town! And of course, we would watch the Grinch, that’s right, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” However, it was the original cartoon, with little Cindy Lou Who and the animated Grinch himself. This was before Jim Carey did his incredible rendition and before the new animated version that came out in 2018 from Universal. Nonetheless, I have felt like for years that the Grinch has been given a bad rap. As a matter of fact, I actually believe in many aspects that he actually nails the consumerism mentality of humankind. Nonetheless, I also realize that although the story was entitled, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”– he could never truly steal Christmas itself. The Grinch stole the people of Whoville’s stuff, but he never actually could and he never truly did steal Christmas. He stole their stuff, but not Christmas or the spirit that was in their hearts. And, as we all know, Christmas is not about stuff! Therefore, no one could ever actually ever steal Christmas! That’s because it’s about a person, not presents. And, it’s a matter of the heart, not a matter of getting more stuff. It’s about love and hope and giving and sharing and caring! The Grinch took their stuff, but he couldn’t take what was in their hearts. Therefore, the people of Whoville forgave the Grinch for what he had done. And it was their joyful, grateful singing and the spirit of Christmas that made the Grinch’s heart grow that day. He had a change of heart and returned their gifts. He was then invited to dinner by those whom he had done wrong. It was a glorious day of reconciliation and the Grinch’s heart grew and he became a different person, all because of joy, love, forgiveness and generosity. Here’s the truth of the story for us: We’ve all done wrong. We’ve all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yet, God pursues us like Cindy Lou Who pursued the Grinch! He pursues us and He loves us! And, He forgave us through Christ Jesus and by grace through faith He made a way that we could be made right with Him. Then He invites us to the table to sit with him and to be part of the family, just like the people of Whoville invited the Grinch to eat with them on Christmas Day. So with all of that being said, the Grinch couldn’t steal Christmas, he could only steal their stuff. He couldn’t steal what was truly in their hearts and he couldn’t change his own heart, only love and God can do that. The Grinch had a heart problem and in all actuality, it’s always a heart problem when you’re dealing with things like: greed, anger, jealousy, resentment and unforgiveness. A heart that contains these attributes in reality is limited and small. The Good News is- God and His love can change a heart and make it grow! God gave us the greatest gift of all, Jesus. And that’s what Christmas is all about and that’s “Why the Grinch Couldn’t Steal Christmas.” So, I end with the words of the “How the Grinch’s Stole Christmas” narrator’s words: “It came without ribbons- it came without bows. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store- maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more.” So, no one could ever actually ever steal Christmas! Not even the Grinch! That’s because it’s about a person, not presents. And, it’s a matter of the heart, not a matter of getting more stuff. It’s about love and hope and giving and sharing and caring! Christmas is about Christ! It’s about God giving us the greatest gift of all, His Love and our salvation through Christ. Maybe Christmas is a little bit more…
*[Below is a link to a message I did back in 2018 after our family went to see the new Universal animated version of the Grinch- click the link if you would like to see the message]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMtEtBoTSoQ
