Who Stole Christmas?”

One of my favorite holiday traditions is watching the wonderful Dr. Seuss tale about the mean old green skinned Grinch who lives on the top of the mountain overlooking Whoville. He cannot stand the noise or sight of the Who’s celebrating the Christmas holiday season. He sneaks in during the dark of night and steals all things associated with Christmas and proudly journeys back to the top of the mountain in anticipation of hearing all the “boo-hoos” rising up from the village when the Whos realize that Christmas is not coming. But there are no “boo-hoos” just joyous singing. The Grinch then realizes that Christmas is not about all of the boxes and bows, toys, glitz, glamour, and food. Christmas came. The Whos joined hands and The Light came down and joined with them. Of course we know the rest. The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day and he returned all the stuff he had stolen. He even joins in the celebration by carving the roast beast!
This lesson is timeless. It is not about stuff at all. Christmas is Christmas because it’s not about us. It’s about Jesus and Jesus alone. He was a child born of a miracle birth, fully human… fully God. Jesus grew up to preach salvation and love. He called people accountable for their lives and had mercy and compassion on the poor, healed the diseased, and forgave the repentant. He showed us who God is so that we would know the Triune God. He suffered and died as a criminal, yet He returned to tell us that death has no hold upon us if we believe in Him. He continually pointed to God the Father and promised the Holy Spirit would be with us always. He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and Living Water for those who thirst. There is no other!
Is this what you think about when you think about Christmas? It should be! Put aside for awhile Rudolph, Santa, and Frosty. Fairy tales are fun and have a place in children’s imaginations but they should not be our primary focus.
Our focus should be on Jesus Christ and His birth. For the true story of Christmas can be found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Know these stories by heart and tell your children so they can repeat them back to you. Let the children know that Christmas is about more than a trip to the mall or waiting on a fat guy in a red suit. Without these timeless truths it may be that the Grinch who steals Christmas will turn out to be….YOU!
God loves you, forgives you, and wants to know you.