Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Philippians 4:11b-12 NKJV)
Could we stand, hands joined, and sing our hearts out if we experienced neighborhood-wide break-ins? What if old Mr. Grinch stole our most precious possessions? Could he rob us of Christmas? No decorations. No stockings filled with goodies. No Christmas trees. No gifts to open. No Christmas meal, not even the roast beast. Could we sing with delight if we lose everything?
Initially, we want to say, “Of course we can!” But take a moment and reflect on our reactions. Doesn’t frustration spike when the tree lights won’t work? Do we rush in a panic trying to find the toy every child wants Santa to bring? Does disappointment bring us down when the fudge is too soft, the snicker-doodles are too hard, and the turkey is too brown? What about the bickering concerning who’s coming for dinner, and which day will we spend at the in-laws? Does the dread of spending time with those in-laws or that irritable family member dampen our Christmas spirit?
If we are honest with ourselves, our Christmas bliss all but vanishes with something less than Mr. Grinch stealing our Christmas goodies. We have become so accustomed to having it all that we forget what Christmas is all about. Jesus!
It isn’t the lights, the ornaments, the gifts or even the roast beast that the Whoville residents loved. Christmas for the Christian is all about Jesus because without Him, we have no reason to celebrate.
Watch the ending of that timeless cartoon, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The folks in Whoville didn’t need anything to celebrate Christmas. As the grinch watched them from Mount Crumpit, his heart burst with the joy rising from the Whoville residents singing below.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, and everything else will fall into place.
In reality, we can live without a few lights, the perfect gift or the scrumptious meal. Ask the family who is spending Christmas in the hospital. Talk to those planning a home-going service rather than Christmas dinner. Help those who lost everything in a house fire. In the face of affliction, the genuine Christmas spirit shines bright.
When we look at the plights of others, it really puts the important things into prospective. That’s an amazing witness to the on-looking world. Like Mr. Grinch, they cannot fathom people possessing real joy, not mere happiness.
My late pastor used to say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” If something doesn’t carry an eternal value, does it possess any value at all? Let’s ask ourselves that question each time our perfect Christmas becomes imperfect.
Jesus, help us keep you as our priority this year and all year long. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Philippians 4:13-19HIKING THE TRAIL
HIKING THE TRAIL
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Originally posted on September 24, 2020 @ 7:08 pm