At the end of Monday’s posting, I suggested that if we center our thoughts on God and our love for Him and Him alone, rather than on the “things” God could do for us, our hearts might be enlarged and transformed in new ways. Well, that got me to thinking about a fictional character that we all know who suffered from a small heart: the Grinch. Now I know Christmas is another three months away, but the message from Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, has a life message that I think transcends the Christmas season.
Every Christmas when I was a small child, I remember watching the cartoon and being scared to sleep that night. The Grinch was this scary green “meanie” who hated Christmas and wanted every one to be as miserable as he was. He thought that Christmas was all about the “stuff”: the presents, the trees, the ornaments and the feasts. At the end of the story, however, he learned that despite the fact that he stole all the presents, trees, ornaments and food from the Whos in Whoville, he couldn’t stop Christmas from coming. The Whos still gathered together and were singing and rejoicing.
In the end, the Grinch comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes that day! This “heart change” transforms his life forever!
Perhaps we all need a “heart change” in our relationship with God. A heart change that would result in rejoicing and celebrating God’s presence in our lives and in this world each day. What if every day was like Christmas and Easter combined? Can you imagine what that would be like? I would guess that all of our lives and hearts would be enlarged and changed in new ways!
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove
from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
-- Ezekiel 36:26
Watch this clip from the movie version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in which Jim Carrey plays the mean Grinch. This is a touching clip where the Grinch’s heart grows and he begins to have tears for the first time. He begins to “feel.” His heart of stone gives way to a heart of flesh! Watch video>>
Today, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Easter!
Pax,
Pastor Carol
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