One of the Stories written by Dr. Seuss (my favorite) is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. It has been made into a cartoon movie and a live action one some years ago but it tells a good story about the true meaning of Christmas that changed the heart of a crabby old Grinch. The citizens of Whoville still had the Christmas spirit even without presents that were stolen by the Grinch. Their decorations were all taken down as well. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel, his real name) wanted to let people know that materialism and the desire to get all you can at Christmas was not what Christmas was all about. The story was written in 1957, and as even today, there was a great emphasis on gifts, decorations, and activities in abundance. This is where we all need to take care lest we become “Grinched” at Christmas.
Christ should always be first and foremost in our hearts during this season of celebration. The problem many of us face is getting ourselves wrapped up in too many activities, gift buying and endless rushing around until we drop with exhaustion. Then, we begin to wish Christmas was over. Our mood becomes less than cheerful. Suddenly we become “Grinch-like” (crabby and negative) with friends and family alike. It happens so gradually that we may not notice it but those around us can. The stressed out look on the face, the tight smile, and snappy comments of complaint show others around us to stay away. However, the Bible encourages us to do things in moderation.
In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses a church that seems to be a bit out of control. There is infighting over spiritual gifts, problems with the Lord’s Supper and immorality. So Paul reminds them of this (I Corinthians 6:19-20): “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” We really need to remember this because too much on our calendar can bring stress. We must learn to be reasonable and stop and consider what glorifies God for that is why we were created. There are times we have to graciously say “no” to some things that put us in a tizzy. I love what Proverbs 25:28 has to say: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
For much of my life (especially college years), I have lived full tilt with being involved in everything under the sun. This takes a toll on our body, our mind, and even our spirit. God never meant for us to be “human doings”. We are made in His image, and He should be the center focus for our life. Remember, our salvation is a free gift from God not works oriented, do everything perfectly, have the fanciest decorations, the most gifts under the tree type of redemption. He wants us to be formed into the image of His dear Son…not become like the Grinch. As Jesus wisely said in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Read the whole chapter. It is filled with encouragement for all worriers and overcommitted people. So what should we do?
At Christmas, we must take time to pray about how many activities and commitments we have on the calendar. I am certain they all look good, but must we be at each one? Do we need to put up all the decorations so that we wow the neighborhood or should we keep it low key for the sake of precious time we might miss with our church family, our own family and especially with the Lord. God can guide us and give us His wisdom if we ask Him.
Christmas is a time for worship, reading the Word of God and fellowship with other believers. These activities should be our top priority. Attending to these things first will put a new slant both on the celebration and who we are in Christ. God has given us the means of grace through the preaching of His Word as well as the sacraments. So in remembering to seek Him first, we will thwart having our Christmas stolen by the “Grinch” and experience the peace which passes all understanding. Selah!!
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