WHO ARE WHO'S?

My wife, Mary Ann, loves Dr. Seuss's story, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." So every year, she watches the the program...and I watch her. I don't know which of us enjoys it the most. You know the story--the main character discovers that no matter what happens, Christmas can not be stopped. Even the Whos (whatever they were) understood that the reason for Christmas was not found in gifts, parties or decorations. Christmas is a celebration that takes place in the heart.

Many who celebrate Christmas believe the significance stops at the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the season's significance transcends the mere fact that Jesus was born. Furthermore, it is not just that Jesus was born a virgin, lived a virtuous life or died an agonizing and sacrificial death. What makes Christ's birth so significant is the awesome reality that Jesus conquered death.

The significance of the resurrection as it relates to Christmas cannot be stressed enough. When Jesus walked on earth He claimed to be God in the flesh. Had He died and remained in the grave, His claims would have been dismissed. However, an empty tomb and subsequent appearances to His followers validated his "outrageous" pronouncements.

What makes Christmas so very significant, so special, is Easter.

The Grinch learned that Christmas cannot be stopped. It is not a celebration dependent on symbols or external motivation. It is a celebration of the heart.

While the populace may 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 in order to accommodate the whole Christmas story -- which includes the cross and the empty tomb.