Drop Seventeen

Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (NASB 1995).

December first has arrived. The season of Advent is upon us. Favorite Christmas movies will be revisited. Over the next few weeks let’s seek out the Biblical themes imbedded in just a few of those classics.  Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or just “The Grinch” receives a lot of attention during this season. As Christians, we know that Christmas cannot not be bought or stolen, as the miracle of Christmas is the gift of forgiveness packaged in the form of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The Grinch at the beginning of the book, or movie, chooses isolation over community as he has never felt accepted, welcomed, or loved by the Who’s in Whoville because of his differences. All the hustle and bustle at Christmas increases his depression, loneliness, and indifference towards the holiday. Until Cindy Lou arrives on the scene. Her innocence, faith, trust, and kindness towards the Grinch gives him pause. And when he has taken everything the world defines as Christmas from the Who’s then they gather and sing Christmas morning without all of it, he finally understands. He has no power over the Spirit of Christmas. When the Who’s sing, it is a song of joy, forgiveness, peace, and love. The singing melts the ice of the Grinch’s small heart, and he overflows with love for the Who’s. It is not until he knows there is something greater than himself that the Grinch learns to love, accept and receive forgiveness, and feel true joy.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for creating us. We know that we feel better when we forgive. Thank You for forgiving us. Help us to truly love and express forgiveness to those around us. As we celebrate this season of remembering the arrival of Jesus may we let go of any bitterness that has taken root. May we each experience and share true joy with each other now and into the future.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

AMEN