“It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.”
The Grinch
Christmas is supposed to be a special time of year when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Many do this by going to church or hosting family gatherings. Gift giving and decking out a festive feast for the mouth and eyes is always fun but realistically, it is also a lot of work and can be financially stressful for those doing it tough. There can be a lot of pressure to make everything perfect and honestly, it can rob many of the peace and joy Christmas should bring. Every year, many determine to keep it simple and focus on Christ, but this fake xmas paradigm continues to draw us in, giving birth to Grinches and grinders globally.
The Grinch is a children’s film based on the book by Dr Seuss about a sad, grumpy, cynical man who lives on the outskirts of a town named Whoville. His contempt for xmas sets him on a mission to destroy everything about it. Although his idea of Christmas is completely wrong, thinking that by tearing away at extravagant decorations and presents, he could cancel it forever. But there’s Xmas and then there’s Christmas.
The Grinch represents many of us at this time of year, though it would be easy to point our fingers at him and think him a miserable man hell-bent on raining on our parades. But how many of us grind into Christmas to consume upon our own lusts and desires to rob it of its true meaning. Like the Grinch, we have no understanding of it, replacing Christ with X, the excessive consumption of food and unnecessary material goods, gadgets, and fictitious do-gooders.
The hijacking of Christmas started years ago with the advent of Santa, a supposed saint who allegedly gifted poor children globally. Today we have Elf on the Shelf, “Santa’s helper”, the judge and jury of xmas woe. He is perched on children’s bookshelves and allegedly keeps a close watch on their behaviour reporting back to “Santa” with xmas credits for the good little people of the world. He is a pseudo psyop for the coming years’ eventual roll out of AI generated spy cams everywhere.
Without fail, Christmas almost always becomes a time of contention for the privileged. The issues of who will host it, how much the budget should be for gifts, when and where blah, blah, blah. I’m sure many of you know the drill. What should be a simple time of gathering together and sharing a meal to remember the true gift of Christmas becomes all about us.We get so caught up in ourselves that we forget that this can be a very sad and lonely time for many. Those separated from family through death or rejection can feel the pain and loss all over again.
This year we decided to host an “early Christmas” as we decided to take off and avoid the crazy. To be honest, we really just wanted to spend time with our children and enjoy their company before they all start their new lives around the country. Personally, it was an emotional time as most of them are older with partners whose families are scattered across the country. My growing family is a blessing, but it does take the simplicity out of organising special events.
Reflecting upon the very first Christmas when Jesus was born, it actually wasn’t what we make it today. It was a census year and many were asked to return to the lands from which they came. Joseph and Mary were in transit hence Jesus was born en route, in a stable.
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.”
Luke 2:1-3
They weren’t in a fancy decked out place, gorging themselves on overpriced xmas roasts or plum puddings. They were in a stable surrounded by animals and strangers, sojourners from around the globe, paying homage to a baby, our Lord and Saviour. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with being in a special place with those you love, but perspective and gratitude is key.
Jesus is the reason for the season. So if you find yourself feeling a little alienated or dejected this Christmas, (or at any time for that matter) because the Grinches and grinders want to sabotage your peace and joy in Christ, be reminded of the circumstances surrounding his birth and life. Jesus was also rejected and found in places many wouldn’t dream of going, fraternizing with people you wouldn’t expect, drinking wine and breaking bread.
Let’s think of those that are broken, the marginalized, forgotten, needy and homeless. Reach out to them or if nothing else, just reflect on Christ, God’s fearful and amazing gift to us all. Make Him the centre of everything we do. One could argue we stole Christmas this year, but I think we just took it back.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Revelation 3:20 NKJV
Beauty For Ashes, Restoration 