The Joy of Christ
The Joy of Christ
“But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 16-18 ESV
I always seem to receive shocked responses when stating : "The Grinch is awesome!"
The usual viewpoint of the Grinch is that he is mean, rude, selfish and almost hateful.
Why would I have a viewpoint of the Grinch being awesome? Because the Grinch is a representation of the Lost Man. Initially the Grinch is indeed very mean (especially to his dog Max) and proceeds to take vengeance on the citizens of Whoville.
The Grinch is jealous of their celebrations and gift giving. He feels left out and alone. He is determined to make the people of Whoville share in his misery. As the counterfeit Santa, he proceeds to steal all of their gifts and decorations on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning the Grinch arises and is eager to hear the wails of crying and sadness from the people of Whoville. To his surprise, this is not the result.
The sounds from Whoville are those of harmonious joyful singing. The Grinch is seeing the true meaning of the day. It is not the decorations or gifts, but instead the joy of Christ that is in the hearts of the people.
Dear Lord, may our focus be like the citizens of Whoville this Christmas season. Help us to be transformed by the joy of Christ from one degree of glory to another. Amen.
Written by Brian Whitmore
“But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 16-18 ESV
I always seem to receive shocked responses when stating : "The Grinch is awesome!"
The usual viewpoint of the Grinch is that he is mean, rude, selfish and almost hateful.
Why would I have a viewpoint of the Grinch being awesome? Because the Grinch is a representation of the Lost Man. Initially the Grinch is indeed very mean (especially to his dog Max) and proceeds to take vengeance on the citizens of Whoville.
The Grinch is jealous of their celebrations and gift giving. He feels left out and alone. He is determined to make the people of Whoville share in his misery. As the counterfeit Santa, he proceeds to steal all of their gifts and decorations on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning the Grinch arises and is eager to hear the wails of crying and sadness from the people of Whoville. To his surprise, this is not the result.
The sounds from Whoville are those of harmonious joyful singing. The Grinch is seeing the true meaning of the day. It is not the decorations or gifts, but instead the joy of Christ that is in the hearts of the people.
Dear Lord, may our focus be like the citizens of Whoville this Christmas season. Help us to be transformed by the joy of Christ from one degree of glory to another. Amen.
Written by Brian Whitmore
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