Christmas is So Much More

I remember watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" with my granddaughter a few years ago. In spite of the Grinch's onery, grumpy and absolutely the WORST attitude when it came to "Christmas spirit" (stealing and destroying anything that represented Christmas), the Whos sang joyfully on Christmas morning. The Grinch, then, had an epiphany, returned the gifts, and joined in the celebration. Now, that's what I call the spirit of Christmas so alive in us, it causes others to want the spirit of Christmas alive in them.

That whole notion of Christmas being stolen by anyone -- including a Scrooge or a Grinch, gets me riled up. How could anyone want to take away, a beautiful, joyful, celebration that brings so much good into this world – and in particular, the Reason for the Season – the birthday of Jesus Christ? I beg to differ with anyone that Christmas could be stolen – they are way too late – it’s in the very fabric of our being.

Joy to the world begins with each of us individually. Joy cannot come without the conscious awareness of the Lord's promised presence wherever we go and whatever we do. Rather than being distracted by the voices rallying to change "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays", our mindset should be to keep our thoughts toward God and allow Him to have the ability to move through our actions.....and reactions. Loving as Christ loved is our responsibility and that's what calms a storm, heals the broken-hearted, and lights of hope are put in the eyes of those who are hopeless.

I’m so grateful that President Trump led the way for us this year when he boldly (as only he can do) declared "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to us! Though governments, emperors and philosophies have tried to destroy Christ and Christmas since His birth and tyrants have tried to wash it from the face of the earth, IT STILL STANDS. It will always be a part of the enemy's tactics -- to try to stamp out the Spirit of Christ -- the Spirit of Christmas. But, it will NEVER be stamped out. He always was, always is, and always will be the REASON FOR THE SEASON -- and NOTHING or NO ONE can change that. And when we get that no matter where and no matter who tries to steal Christmas from us, it just won't matter. Like the Whos, we'll truly maintain the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts and lives as we sing, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Rather than my own words, I'll defer to a well known and respected doctor who understood....it's so much MORE!

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"It came without ribbons.

It came without tags.

It came without packages, boxes or bags.

And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store?

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"

- Dr. Seuss