As a child, I was always afraid of the Grinch as he stole Christmas! It took me years before I could watch the entire cartoon and learn that he had a change of heart at the end. Christmas was saved after all! I recently watched a newer version of the classic tale starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. This animated film has a different spin on the Grinch. He doesn’t actually hate Christmas but being alone.
As I let that sink in for me, I was filled with great sadness. How many times do I misunderstand someone’s foul mood for loneliness, heartache or pain? As someone who has endured a lot, I know it is often alone. Many of us don’t run around telling the world we are in pain. We suffer in silence. Right now,people you know might be Grinches, but it may be for reasons you don’t understand. Let’s not be quick to judge.
This quaint adaptation of the Christmas story reminds us of the dark side of isolation and lack of connection. I fear many are living this out right now with the way the world has been the last two years. We have been relying too heavily on “likes” on Facebook, and a relationship that does not make. Missing human contact can make anyone be a Grinch!
This Christmas, perhaps we can reach out to one another in person or at least on the phone. Maybe a warm hug and smile might melt a Grinch’s heart. I know this time of year gets hectic, but if we don’t have time to share Christmas with others, then we have totally missed the entire point of it all. Christmas is meant to be shared!
As the Grinch learns, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.” And to quote the Grinch’s toast from the latest version, “To kindness and love – the things we need the most.”
Wishing you a Christmas full of wonder and joy!
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