The other morning as I was struggling to get out of bed to face another busy day, I looked at Katie and stated a new speculation. My thought was that in a far off land, many years ago when the modern Christmas celebrations were planned and plotted it was done so by a convention of extroverts who didn't invite the introverts... and even if they did, we didn't show up! December was not even half over and I was already feeling like the Grinch. The title for this post is borrowed from a song penned by Dr. Seuss as an infamous ode to his classic character. If you have read the book or seen the 1966 TV Special "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", you know that the antagonist hated everything about the Christmas season. That morning in bed the line that resonated most with me was "That's one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!"
Most years I am able to filter out all the noise and busyness, the festivities and frenzy that accompany this time of year. This year I am struggling. This year has already been busier and more frenzied that most. Usually my family and I love the Advent season and Christmas day. We love the trimmings and trappings, the gifts and gatherings, and the music and merriment. What we love the most, however, is the chance to set time aside to reflect upon and celebrate the God who came to be among us, to redeem and win back His children that had run away. He did not come as a shining warrior of light; He did not come as a prince in a palace. Rather He came as a baby, helpless and poor; just a child among the masses, unnoticed by most of humanity yet heralded by angels. This year, I feel like I am in danger of missing it.
Maybe that is the point this year. Even in the best of years I still miss Christmas. There is no celebration, no gift, no reflection, no homily that will ever fully capture Emmanuel. Maybe this year I needed that reminder, needed to remember that despite my failings, my struggles, He came. This year perhaps I needed reminding that apart from Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, I am a sinful grinch. Yet unlike Dr. Seuss, if given the choice between a seasick crocodile and us, He would choose us every time.
No matter if your heart feels two sizes too small or you have the joy of Cindy Lou Who, no matter if your shoes feel too tight or if you have the songs of Whoville on your lips, may the Lord meet you where you are at this year. May we all celebrate because He is worthy.
