“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
“A Christmas Carol”
It seems that every Christmas movie has a Grinch or a Scrooge. It is part of the Christmas movie “formula”. They either hate the Christmas season or do not believe in it or celebrate it. In fact, the Grinch will go so far as to try and steal Christmas from the Hoos! Infact, yesterday I pointed out that there will alwayas be Scrooges and Grinches at Christmas.
However, there is another theme that always seems to be present in these holiday films…transformation. It is usually presented as some kind of awakening for these enemies of the season. Scrooge went from being a grumpy old miser to a generous and caring individual. The Grinch’s heart actually grew “three sizes that day” and he happily returned the Christmas to Hoo-ville.
I would also point out that this transformation does more than change their attitudes toward Christmas…it changes THEM! They become different. It is a transformation that effects their whole life not just their view of this time of year. Scrooge becomes a better man, a better boss, a better everything. The narrarator tells us,
“He did it all and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good city knew, or any other good old city, town or borough, in the good old world” (Dickens).
Transformation!
Our favorite Christmas films have this message in common…the spirit of Christmas totally changes people!
As Christians we believe the same thing and we know why…Christmas is about God coming to us to restore us…transform us into everything we were created to be if we would just believe. The Scripture tells us,
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Transformation!
Yes Hollywood, Christmas makes transformation possible! That is why we love the story! We love seeing those trapped in the darkness of unbelief be awakened to the light. We love to see joy replace sorrow…peace replace contention…love replace hate…and hope replace despair.
Christmas is a story of transformation. An obscure town becomes a doorway for the Savior. A feeding trough is transformed into a crib and a stable becomes a nursery. Lowly shepherds become heralds and wise men become followers.
Yes, Christmas is all about transformation. In fact, without Christmas there can be no transformation. We would be lost…trapped in the darkness of our own unbelief and despair. But God came, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) and our transformation became possible.
Rejoice in our Hope today!