Two of my most favorite Christmas stories are “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and “A Christmas Carol: (Ebenezer Scrooge).”  Over the years I have watched and read every version of each of these tales;  animated, live action, CGI, and of course, book form.  

As a child, the ghosts that appeared to Scrooge scared my hair straight and gave me nightmares that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  The very first motion picture of Scrooge I saw, as a child, starred Albert Finny as the boorish main character.  His portrayal has always been my standard for judging other versions.  But what was most lasting about this particular version of Scrooge was Finny’s physical transformation during his journey from ornery penny-pinching old miser to gloriously enlightened and unburdened elder with a new song in his heart…and a dance in his step. 

The original Grinch cartoon was aired in 1966.  I was 4 years old.  I have never missed a year watching it, listening to the voice of Boris Karloff as the green menace for the last 59 years.  The variations that have followed over the years have not been missed on me either.  I enjoyed the Jim Carrey version as well as Benedict Cumberbatch’s rendition.  But, honestly, nothing compares to the gravel-ish, slow paced British tone of Karloff’s narration.  The most memorable impression of the Grinch’s story is his heart growing three times its size when he is overcome by the true meaning of Christmas.  Priceless.

So why have these stories impacted me so much…given that I obsess over them EVERY Christmas?  One could say it’s because they are great stories with fun imagery and end well.  And, that’s true.  I do love a great story, especially if it has a happy ending.  But I think there is more to these two stories for me than just a good end.

The thing that stays with me about the tales, even as a child, is the redemption from personal pain and resentment back to being able to love again that these two characters experience.  I am always inspired by the transformative change these two seemingly mean, heartless characters go through in their stories.

Fast forward to now. I love the theme of redemption and restoration that these 2 stories demonstrate.  As a seasoned Christian, I have experienced loss of love and compassion due to rejection, offense and betrayal.  The pain of it has tried to build roots of bitterness and disdain in me, at times.  And sometimes, it has. 

There were seasons when I could have used the spirits of Christmas past, present and future to show me a better way.  Perhaps a little friend like Max could have inspired me to consider others over my woundedness.  When Scrooge and the Grinch learn that what happened to them didn’t have to define them, it becomes an integral part of their newfound self revelation and allows them to have a change of heart.  And isn’t that what we all need, sometimes?  Although bad things can happen to us, we do not necessarily become bad because of them.  We still have the ability to choose love, forgiveness and faith.  

The reason these stories draw me back year after year is the reassurance that no matter what I suffer, I can still be redeemed.  Jesus gave us all that hope.

It is so appropriate that these are Christmas stories.  They reflect THE Christmas story…Jesus putting on humanity to help us in our struggle and sacrificed for us to free us from our sin, our weakness, and our unworthyness so that if we choose Him we can live in His love, His forgiveness and His righteousness. 

When we open our hearts to receive His gift of life, we are redeemed into the loved, safe, cared for people we were meant to be.  And once we exchange our frailty for his sacrifice, we can love, make secure and care for others the same way.

Jesus has given us a redemption plan that is far better than any story…and its transformation will last forever. That’s a happy ending we can all enjoy.

Until next post…blessings.

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