The Grinch

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Grinch the past few days. Last Friday I taught Zach’s kindergarten class about Christmas, citing the Grinch along with Santa, Jesus, the star, the nativity, presents, Christmas trees, and candy canes. We talked about what it all meant. The next day, our pastor Glenn spoke about “elf-ing” more and “grinch-ing” less. My family went to see the new Grinch movie, and I identified with the Grinch, not in his desire to steal Christmas joy, but in his frustration with the crowds and commercialism of Christmas, his skeptical questioning that if all the material evidence of Christmas was stripped away, would there still be singing?
I filled my own Target cart (or buggy if you’re a native Southerner) earlier in the day and sat with my own internal conflict of where the importance of Christmas rests in my own life.
I was moved by the glimpses throughout the movie of the Grinch’s warmth toward a child’s hope and belief, and the sound of singing even when the material Christmas had been removed. What remained was a forgiving and welcoming community, one that embraced the Grinch and moved him to speak about the inspiration of a child that expanded the space in his heart for love and connection.
I think that’s where the importance of Christmas rests for me this year: seeking love and connection amid my moments of frustration and emotional baggage as I await the presence of Jesus in both joyful and challenging moments. I’m inspired by the hopeful eyes of children that don’t only see the decor and presents, but see the size of the hearts around them and extend love to help the space for love grow.