We ran into the Grinch on Saturday while we were out watching the Victorian Christmas parade downtown. All of the characters were from nursery rhymes or Dickins' characters. And then, of course Santa and Mrs. Claus rode by on a horse-drawn carriage. When my neighbor told me that she would be in the parade with some of the neighborhood kids, she said that it was sponsored by the downtown shops and that they didn't want any religious entries in the parade. (Insert frowny-face.) We went anyway and were able to partake of hot cocoa at a friend's house before running out to the street to watch the parade and catch the candy that was thrown by the characters who were dressed in the most amazingly beautiful costumes. (They really know how to throw parades here in my hometown!)
My kids spied The Grinch harassing people in front of CVS, so we had to hunt him down and get a photo with him. He's such a rock star. He was walking up and down Market street "booing" at old ladies and making babies cry. Nice. I was actually at my limit for commercial intake that day, but I humored my kids by taking their photo with this iconic figure.
I had no idea that the Grinch would be the saving grace of the Christmas parade for me. He wasn't yesterday, that's for sure, but after listening to President Uchtdorf draw important lessons from The Grinch and even quoting him, and sympathizing with him in his talk tonight in the Christmas Broadcast, I just had to laugh about the whole thing.
After quoting the Grinch extensively in his opening lines, President Uchtdorf said,
"If we look for what is wrong with Christmas, we can surely find it. But if we look for the good, we can see Christmas with new eyes...perhaps even with the eyes of a child."
He also gave three ways that we can celebrate Christmas this year:
1. Rejoice in the birth of our Savior
2. Ponder His influence in our lives today
3. Look Steadfastly for his coming
He ended by suggesting that if we do this, then maybe we'll be able to, with the Grinch, proclaim that maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps... means something more!
Sometimes I dread the Christmas season. I dread the materialism, many people constantly telling me I am doing a disservice to my children (by not celebrating santa), the money woes and many more things.
ReplyDeleteUntil I remember that is a celebration of CHRIST. We really can simplify, become more childlike and be as those 3 points from that talk. I rejoice in our Savior and what better time to express that feeling?!
Thank you.
One of my favorite Christmas stories ever and I loved the fact that it was used in the devotional tonight!!
ReplyDeleteand the Grinch is so right. I love the fact that we have Christmas because of the Savior but I have to add this. I think there ought to be a parade without religious units. I think it lessens Christ by tossing Him in amongst all the othe...r silliness and wonderment. I think He deserves his own wonderment...not less or more....but definitely more honored. If Pres. Uchtdorf can find the glories of the Grinch then we can too. It can't all be silent and sacred...we just have to find the silent and sacred moment in all things. I know we have in The Littlest Angel. I'm glad you stopped long enough for a picture
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said, Mom!
ReplyDeleteHe is SUCH a great speaker!
ReplyDeleteAnd The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas stories.
=)