Once again we find ourselves at the end of the year and on the eve of the holidays. The season is a time filled with wonder and delight, as secrets and special wishes occupy our thoughts. The wonder of Christmas has a way of returning the most hardened heart back to the days of childlike delight.

This holiday season we find ourselves with a cloud hanging over our head with all the uncertainty surrounding the Delphi bankruptcy. The frustrations and worries are enough to take the cheer right out of the season. However, if we keep the true meaning of Christmas close to us then all these outside troubles cannot disrupt our holiday season.

Ted Seuss Geisel, better known as “Dr. Seuss”, gave the world one of the better-loved Christmas stories in the form of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” The story was first published in 1957 and made into a cartoon special in 1965. In 2000 Hollywood released the big budget version of the story, with the Grinch being a box office success.
Geisel passed away in 1991, after writing over 44 books. Friends and family maintain that the model for his “Grinch” was none other than Geisel himself. They state his own dissatisfaction the idea of presents and hustle and bustle led to the story.

If we revisit the story of the Grinch we find someone who really didn’t understand Christmas at all. His lack of understanding fueled his frustration with everyone who loved Christmas, so he vowed to stop Christmas from coming. The Grinch fell into a trap of thinking that material things was at the center of the “Whos” Christmas joy and devised a plan to steal all their Christmas goodies.

As the dawn broke Christmas morning, the Grinch posed himself high above the town to listen to their cries of woe once they discovered their possessions had been taken. However, he couldn’t believe his ears as the “Whos” lifted their voices in song on Christmas morning. It was then he realized that Christmas doesn’t come in packages, or bows, or stockings or twinkling delights. Christmas came in their hearts and souls, as they gathered close together with friends and loved ones.

This holiday season, don’t let the cares and worry of life steal your Christmas. Hold dear to those things most important in life and remember the true reason for the season. Don’t forget that Christmas can’t be found in boxes, presents or bags. If the Grinch learned that lesson, then surely we can to.

Peace my Brothers and Sisters,
John Davis