To Kindness and Love, the Thing We Need Most

Do you have an early memory of watching the original cartoon version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Based on the Dr. Suess book, and now having two full-length movies, this character is … “A mean one.” In the two movie versions, the Grinch is mean because he was a lonely, bullied orphan who felt ostracized by the Whos of Whoville, leading to emotional pain, anger, and bitterness. His meanness is a defense mechanism stemming from feelings of sadness and rejection, particularly his aversion to the sounds and joys of Christmas, which remind him of his painful past. But, something in the story of Christmas filled the longing to belong and gave the Grinch a family. Like the Grinch, the desire to belong is a central human longing, yet, we can feel the weight of our own failures and rejection. We live in a time where people are more connected than ever, yet feel more and more lonely. As Luke shares the great story of Christmas, he tells us about the angel Gabriel’s announcement to a virgin girl that she will be the one who bears the Son of God. As the true Son of God, Jesus was also despised, rejected, and cast off. However, as the Son of God, His death and resurrection have paved the way for all of us to be made His brothers, with God as Father, and a family of faith where we can be loved and accepted no matter how much of a mess we are.