Grinches!

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Probably everyone of us, without exception, has either read or seen Dr. Seuss’ book or movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The book was published in 1957, and it was so popular that on December 18, 1966 the first movie version was aired.

The book written in poetry form tells the story of how the Grinch dressed up as Santa Claus, how he dressed his dog Max up as reindeer, and how he went to Whoville and stole Christmas. We remember how he climbed up on the roofs of the Whos, slid down their chimney and stole their stockings and everything that was under their trees. He stole all their Christmas treats and all of their feasts. Why, he even stole their last can of hash. And then, he stole their Christmas trees. He was stuffing it up the chimney when he was interrupted by Cindy Lou Who, who was not more than two. She asked a relatively simple question, “Santy Claus, why are you taking our tree? Why?” The Grinch did what all grinches do, he lied, “Why, my sweet little tot, there’s a light on this tree that won’t light on one side, so I’m taking it home to my workshop, my dear. I’ll fix it there and then bring it back here.” When he was done that evening, he had stolen Christmas from everyone in Whoville.

At this point in the story, we are all probably humming the song from the movie, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch, You really are a heel; You’re as cuddly as a cactus, you’re as charming as an eel, etc.” The song goes on to call him a vile one with termites in his smile; and a monster who’s heart is an empty hole.

A grinch is defined as a person who is mean spirited and unfriendly. Grinches come in all different shapes and sizes, and I learned recently that we never know when one might cross our path. One morning while I was doing my regular swim routine, a new lady entered the pool area. Unfortunately, all the lanes were filled and several of us were sharing one. We all understand the rules, and most of us happily share our lanes with others who are waiting.

This particular lady obviously had no time for waiting, so she stood tapping her foot for a while staring at us all with exasperation. In a few minutes, she stormed out angry and absorbed in herself. A short time later when I went to the locker room to change, she was just coming out of the shower, and I made the comment that “I was sorry the lanes were filled, but if she’d just ask the swimmers, I was sure they’d share.” She jumped on me verbally in a way I’ve never experienced! Among other things, she informed me that she only had 30 minutes in her schedule to swim, and we had ruined it for her! I was speechless. The face of the Grinch suddenly appeared in my subconscious.

For some people Christmas is not a time of joy, but rather a time of anxiety, anger, and depression. There was a time when people who didn’t ehibit the Christmas spirit were called Scrooges but for this particular situation, the I like the term, Grinch. Robert Lynd made this observation, “There are some people who want to throw their arms around you just because it’s Christmas; there are other people who want to strangle you just because it’s Christmas.” As I struggled with the situation later, it became obvious that she must have been in the latter place in her life.

There are different kinds of Grinches around trying to steal Christmas these days, but three come to mind. The first one is the Classic Grinch who isn’t upset with Christmas itself, but rather they are upset with anything that gives others joy or pleasure at their expense and fails to put them first. The milk of human kindness has curdled in their lives.

Secondly, there are the secular Grinches. These are the folks that never say Merry Christmas, but rather it’s always Seasons Greetings or Happy Holidays. They aren’t opposed to trees, lights, and celebrations, but they just don’t want any religion involved. These are the folks that although we might never change their mind, we can show them kindness.

Finally, there are the apathetic Grinches. These Grinches could care less for the decorations, the cards, and the carols. It’s fine to celebrate Christmas, but they don’t need the fanfare or the hoopla. They just like to keep it simple which is fine. There are Grinches amongst us, but most of us who are Grinches don’t even know we are, and we would be highly insulted if anyone suggested it.

As we all know, the book ends with the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes because of the kindness and concern of Cindy Lou Who. Christmas is saved and the town of Whoville celebrates with the Grinch. Jesus Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem with Grinches as well as Wise Men. He came to offer all forgiveness and eternal life, and that is worth celebrating!