(~) THE GRINCHES WHO STEAL CHRISTMAS

(Luke 12:13-20)

(This message was introduced with a Public School Teacher reading Dr. Seuss childrens story: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.)

Dr. Seuss wrote about an evil creature who decided to steal Christmas. This Grinch took away the gifts and decorations and food; but he couldnt destroy Christmas because it was in the hearts of the people of Whoville.

But today, there are some Grinches that can steal Christmas:

I. FIRST, THE GRINCH OF MATERIALISM CAN STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS We spend and charge and compare what we give and what we get. Stores and catalogs are hyping so many gadgets that we dont appreciate anything.

Our priorities get turned upside down. Were like the chicken scratching in the barnyard, searching for food. She spied a lump on the ground and pecked at it until she uncovered a bright, shiny diamond. The hen cocked her head and studied the sparkling jewel. Finally, she kicked it away saying, If my master had found this thing, he would be happy, because he likes such baubles. But I would much rather have a grain of corn.

Now, that diamond was worth far more than a grain of corn, but the hen didnt care. It meant nothing to her.

Sometimes were like that. We value things that our Master cares nothing about, and ignore things that are really valuable.

The Grinch says, I want what I want! And I cant get enough! I need what I need; so just give me more stuff.

But the Bible says, Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15).

And Be content with what you have . . . (Heb. 13:5b).

Dont let the Grinch of materialism steal your Christmas. Learn to be content!

II. SECOND, THE GRINCH OF HOSTILITY CAN STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS. Families fragment as conflicts arise and misunderstandings occur. There are arguments over where and when to celebrate. There are hard feelings over cards and gifts and money. Were never satisfied and wear a chip on our shoulder.

One woman was always suspicious of others motives. Even when a friend tried to compliment her by saying, You look nice today; The woman replied, Are you saying that I dont look nice every day? When you say I look nice today, that must mean I look bad on other days.

Because of her twisted attitude, this woman could turn a sincere compliment into an insult. Viewing others through hostile eyes can sabotage relationships. Some people take everything wrong and turn everything into a conflict.

The Grinch says: Dont let other people spoil all of your fun. Look out for yourself and youll be number one.

But the Bible says: Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs (Prov. 10:12).

Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness . . . (I John 2:11a).

Dont let the Grinch of hostility steal your Christmas. Learn to be loving!

III. THIRD, THE GRINCH OF STRESS CAN STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS. Its unfortunate that the 24 days before Christmas make up the most tension filled period of the year. Theres so much to do, so many places to go, so many things to buy; that sometimes we lose our perspective.

Theres a nursery rhyme which says:

Little cat, little cat, where have you been? I have been to London to visit the queen. Little cat, little cat, what did you there? I frightened a mouse under her chair!

Now, this cat had the chance of a lifetime. There are so many sights to see in London: Westminster Abby; the British Museum; The House of Parliament; The Marble Arch in Hyde Park. She could have heard the London Philharmonic or watched the changing of the guard. She didnt even notice the historic Thames River, or enjoy St. Pauls Cathedral. Instead, she scampered around chasing mice.

This cat didnt even honor the queen as Her Majesty stood before her. Instead, when someone said, Tell me about your trip. She replied, It all started when I saw this little mouse under the queens throne. From then on it was just like any basement or alley. I chased mice all over London.

She had spent a week in a historic city, and all she had experienced was the frustration of trying to corner a few mice! Too often in our concern over trifles, we also miss the best. The Grinch says: Now, hurry and worry and rush every day. Theres so much to do, you have no time to pray.

But the Bible says: The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds . . . (Phil. 4:7).

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . (Col. 3:15a).

Dont let the Grinch of stress steal your Christmas. Learn to have peace!

IV. FOURTH, THE GRINCH OF DEPRESSION CAN STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS. Psychologists see more people around the Christmas holidays than any other time. Suicides are higher. Theres disappointment and regret and sad memories. Many people have a Blue Christmas. But God wants us to have joy.

One woman said, When I was growing up, we were poor, but we lived next door to a rich family. They had many things we didnt have, but they didnt have the joy Christ can bringwhich we had in abundance. I remember one Christmas, my dad was playing his harmonica, my brother was playing the piano, and my sister, mother, and I were singing Christmas carols at the top of our lungs.

Suddenly, my mom said, Were making so much noise, we better close our windows or well disturb the neighbors.

Within minutes our phone rang. It was a girl who lived next door. She asked, Whod you close your windows?

Well, we didnt want to disturb you, was Moms answer.

The girl blurted out, Disturb us? Why, thats the most joy weve had this entire Christmas season! Please open your windows.

The Grinch says: The holidays never have any good news. Theres no happy moments, just do what you choose.

But the Bible says: Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deut 1:21b). May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful (Psa. 68:3).

Dont let the Grinch of depression steal your Christmas. Learn to be happy!

V. FINALLY, THE GRINCH OF SECULARISM CAN STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS. A minister said, I didnt realize how far we had come until one morning I asked the children at church, Whos birthday are we celebrating? Several said, Santa Claus. Then one child yelled, Oh, no its not. Its Rudolphs.

Joe McKeener told a story about the Desert Storm war. He said, Col. William Post was charged with receiving tons of supplies for the ground forces. One day the Pentagon sent Col. Post a message inquiring about a cases of grape jelly that was missing. Post dispatched an aide to search the warehouses. A day or two later, he reported back that the Jelly was nowhere to be found and assumed that was the end of it.

But the bureaucrats in Washington kept badgering Post about the missing jelly. They couldnt close their books that month until that case of jelly was accounted for. So, it had to be found.

Finally, Col. Post sent this message to the Pentagon: Sirs, you must decide. I can dispatch the entire army to find your missing jelly, or I can get Saddam out of Kuwait. But I cant do both.

Hes still waiting for a reply.

The writer continued, I have a jar of grape jelly sitting on my desk. Its there to remind me that many things in this world look good to me, and may even be good, but theyre just grape jelly! I must not let them be my master. The world is so much with us that our priorities get mixed up.

The Grinch says: This earth is important, not things up above. So, eat, drink and party. Forget about love.

But the Bible says: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only (Luke 4:8).

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:2).

Dont let the Grinch of secularism steal your Christmas. Remember the reason for the season! Honor Christ!

So, during this wonderful season, lets be content. Lets be loving. Lets have peace! Lets be happy and lets remember that its a time to honor Jesus. Dont let a Grinch steal your Christmas.