Living with the Grinch

This time of year it is not unusual to hear the deep, gravely refrains of Thurl Ravenscroft's, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch".






On the surface this is just a silly Dr. Seus story and song. However, I think there is more to the story beyond the surface. If we look at it closely we realize that the story of the Grinch is the essence of Christmas. It is a story of redemption.

In the song we have this amazing description of a wicked person. A carnal person, a person consumed with sin and selfishness. We have a word picture of the sinful human condition.

In the movie, we see the people of Whoville overcome their own selfishness, pride, and judgemental attitudes. They reach out to the Grinch, and he is, in a sense, forgiven and redeemed.

This is the story of Christmas. A story of redemption. Without the Christ of Christmas we look like the Grinch (garlic in our soul, hearts full of unwashed socks, souls full of gunk). It is only through Christ and accepting him into our lives that we are redeemed and our lives are cleaned up and we become more appealing than a "seasick crocodile".

Have a Merry Christmas!

Let us not forget the Christ who came to offer us Redemption!