Wisdom from the Grinch

I’ve been thinking some more about my “stink, stank, stunk” Christmas ornament and reflecting on just how pertinent the message of “The Grinch” feels this year.

The Grinch’s big “aha” moment came when he was confronted with the truth that removing all the packages, boxes, and bags from Whoville couldn’t stop Christmas from coming — “It came! Somehow or other, it came just the same!”

Christmas was way bigger and truer than he knew.

This year large numbers of us had to spend Christmas separated from family and loved ones, completely alone even. For some of us it might have felt like Christmas wasn’t coming. But just as the Grinch learned that Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas 2020 was teaching us that it doesn’t come from people, either.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that celebrating with family is one of the most precious aspects of the holiday. But the source of the joy isn’t external; it starts inside us — with the Christmas spirit itself — and then radiates out from us to others: close family and friends, neighbors, the larger community, and eventually — with commitment, with practice, and with our sincere loving intention — to the whole world.

Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all Whos, far and near.
Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to grasp.
Christmas Day will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.