Most of us are familiar with the long time Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I have watched it every year since being a child. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without watching it at least once. That mean old Grinch, (or should I say Grouch), didn’t like how happy the Whos in Whoville were. They were so busy getting ready for Christmas; They were decorating their houses and Christmas trees, wrapping presents and planning their Christmas feast; And the neat thing about it was, they weren’t grumbling and complaining like most of us do when we are all busy trying to get things done. They were all singing and happy and enjoying every minute of it. Who wouldn’t? They were having fun and anticipating opening all of those sparkly presents!

The Grinch was watching them and plotting how he could take away anything and everything from them. He didn’t like it that they were so happy. I think he might have felt left out, or maybe he was a little jealous! What do you think? So, you know that old saying, Misery Loves Company. He decided to wait until they were all fast asleep and sneak in and take all their loot. He didn’t leave even one shiny trinket or one gold whistle. He even had the audacity to take their Christmas trees. He couldn’t wait for them to all wake up and cry all day instead of sing. “That will teach them to put their trust in things. They won’t have anything left to be so happy about”, he thought to himself. He couldn’t wait to see their sad faces!

Christmas morning finally arrived. He was awakened by an unusual sound. It almost seemed happy and joyful. He woke up and looked down in Whoville and all the Whos were singing and holding hands and hugging and loving one another. “How could this be?” he thought. It was as if everything was still the same. They didn’t seem to notice there was nothing left to sing or be happy about. They were still happy EVEN WITHOUT PRESENTS! Their love and joy taught that old Grinch (Grouch) volumes that day. He soon realized that what they had no one could take away. It was in their hearts. Things couldn’t buy their happiness. He realized material possessions weren’t that important after all! It even caused him to join in with them. He wanted to have that happiness that no amount of money could buy. What’s even more amazing to me about this story is how the Whos welcomed the Grinch into their lives with open arms. They didn’t even notice the harm he had intended to bring to them. You see; The happiness they felt, could not be taken away!

How are your Christmas plans coming along? Have you been baking, decorating, shopping, and addressing your Christmas cards? Have you trimmed your tree? Did you put that star on the top?  In the midst of all that glitter and glamor how are you really holding up? Come on now. If you  won’t tell me, at least be honest with yourself. Are you really as happy as you appear to be? If you were to lose it all today, how would you feel? Is it only on the surface, or is it deep down inside where no one can steal it? In the midst of all the festivities, don’t lose sight of what’s truly important. You can’t put a price tag on peace, joy, love and faith. No one can take them away from you unless you let them!

Have you reason to feel lonely and depressed this Christmas season? Are you sick in your body? Are you lonely? Do you have to sit home alone night after night, wondering if anyone cares? Have you lost a loved one?; Maybe a parent, a spouse, or a child? Did your spouse walk out on you leaving you with the kids, the bills and a broken heart with shattered dreams? Have you been abused or neglected? Are you struggling to make ends meet in this bad economy? Are you working so hard there aren’t enough hours in a day?Have you lost your car or even your home?

There is someone who knows your deepest longings and your heart cry. His name is Jesus. He will abide with you until it doesn’t hurt anymore. He will never leave your side. In fact, he will still be there when it’s all over. He will rejoice with you. You will see just like the Whos in Whoville, even when it seems like all is lost, you can still lift your voice and sing with joy once again, knowing that better days are ahead for you. You can keep the peace and joy of this blessed holy season in your heart all year long!

2 Samuel 22:29

For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness.

I have a request this year. Leave your comments on any prayer requests you might have. I will pray for you.

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