By Kelly Boggs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–In Dr. Suess’s classic tale, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, the malevolent main character discovers that Christmas cannot be stolen, stifled, or subdued. No, even the Who’s who inhabit Whoville understood that the reason for the Christmas season is not bound up in gifts, feasts, or decorations.

While the good doctor’s holiday story is not inherently Christian, it does illustrate profoundly that Christmas is a matter of the soul. For those familiar with the story know the reason the Grinch did not understand the Who’s zeal for Christmas was that his heart was “two sizes too small”.

The reality of Christmas does not exist in external symbols. Much of what is traditionally associated with Christmas has little to do with the reason the holiday is so very special. Decorated trees, blinking lights, dancing snowmen, Santa and his flying reindeer have no connection whatsoever with the essence of Christmas.

Many around the world believe that the significance of Christmas centers on the birth of Jesus Christ. However, it is more than the fact that Jesus was born.

The only people who celebrate a birth, just for the sake of the birth, are family and friends. In order for a nation, much less the world, to pause and remember that an individual was born, that person has to have accomplished something very special with their life.

We remember past presidents because of their contribution to our country. Columbus is honored because his voyage opened the door for colonization of our land. Martin Luther King is revered for his courageous leadership in the cause of civil rights.

What did Jesus do that was so significant? In his relatively short life, he wrote no books, he made no earth-shaking discovery, and he led no political movement. Why do we commemorate the birth of this individual?

Perhaps it is Jesus death that causes us to celebrate his birth. The Bible details the nature of Jesus’ demise. Each of the gospel writers details the horrific reality of Christ’s crucifixion. However, the fact that Christ suffered a seemingly tragic death is not justification for the world to remember his birth.

What makes Christmas worth celebrating is not the fact that Jesus lived or died, but the reality that he conquered death. The Bible asserts that three days after Jesus was crucified he rose from the dead.

The significance of the resurrection is critical. As Jesus walked on earth, he claimed to be God in the flesh. Had he died, and remained in the tomb, his claims would have dismissed. However, an empty tomb and subsequent appearances to his followers validated his “outrageous” pronouncements.

What makes Christmas so very significant is Easter.

The Grinch learned Christmas cannot be stopped. While the masses bury the gospel truth under gifts, trees, tinsel, and lights, the fact remains that the reason for the season is a crucified and risen Savior.

May our hearts be enlarged this year to contain the whole Christmas story — which includes the cross and an empty tomb.

Boggs is a pastor in McMinnville, Ore. (BP)